Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “Why am I anxious when nothing is even happening?”
You’ve triple-checked your to-do list. There’s no real crisis. But your heart still races, your chest feels tight, and your brain won’t stop spinning worst-case scenarios.
This isn’t just overthinking. It’s a nervous system stuck in survival mode.
And for many BIPOC clients, this isn’t random — it’s learned. When you grow up in environments that feel unpredictable or unsafe, your body becomes wired to expect danger, even when it’s not there.
Let’s explore why this happens, how trauma lives in the body, and what body-based healing (like Sensorimotor Psychotherapy) can do to help you finally feel calm again.
What Is Fight-or-Flight Mode (and Why You Might Be Stuck There)
Your body has a built-in alarm system: the fight-or-flight response. It’s supposed to protect you in life-threatening situations. When danger is present, your nervous system releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to prepare you to fight, flee, or freeze.
But when the system stays on, even when there’s no danger? That’s when problems start.
Chronic anxiety is often a sign that your nervous system is stuck in that activated state. It’s not that you’re overreacting — it’s that your body doesn’t feel safe, even when your brain says it should.
Signs Your Anxiety Is Stored in the Body, Not Just the Mind
Anxiety doesn’t always look like panic attacks. It can be subtle, sneaky, and chronic. Some common physical symptoms include:
- Tight chest or shallow breathing
- Racing thoughts or constant overthinking
- Insomnia or waking up tense
- Digestive issues or unexplained fatigue
You might also notice:
- Being hyper-aware of others’ moods
- Feeling “on edge” in quiet rooms
- Avoiding stillness because it feels unsafe
These are all signs that your body is holding onto fear — not your imagination.
Why BIPOC Clients Often Carry Generational Stress in the Nervous System
If you’re part of a Black, Indigenous, or person of color (BIPOC) community, there’s a high chance you’ve inherited more than eye color or cultural traditions.
Generational trauma, systemic racism, immigration stress, and historical survival patterns can all embed themselves into how your nervous system responds.
We’re often praised for being “strong,” “resilient,” or “hard-working,” but rarely given permission to feel safe. That chronic pressure to perform or stay vigilant isn’t just exhausting — it’s traumatic.
Your body has been trained to stay in fight-or-flight mode. It’s time to teach it something new.
How Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Regulates Chronic Anxiety
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP) is a body-based therapy that focuses on what your body is doing — not just what your mind is saying.
Instead of trying to talk your way out of anxiety, SP helps you:
- Notice and track bodily sensations
- Complete interrupted survival responses (like freezing or fleeing)
- Gently build capacity to stay with difficult feelings without being overwhelmed
It’s especially powerful for clients who’ve “tried everything” and still feel stuck. SP works with your nervous system, not against it.
For many BIPOC clients, this kind of therapy finally gives the body permission to feel safe, slow down, and exist without needing to prove anything.
What Real Healing Feels Like (and How to Begin)
Healing doesn’t always feel magical — sometimes it feels weird, slow, or even boring. But it’s real.
Here’s what nervous system regulation might look like:
- You pause before reacting
- You sleep more deeply
- You stop feeling guilty for resting
- You notice tension leaving your jaw, shoulders, or chest
It’s not about becoming someone else. It’s about coming home to yourself — without fear.
If you’re ready to stop living in emergency mode, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy could be your next step. You don’t need to relive the past to release it.
Want to feel safe again? Book a free consultation at psyberspacetherapy.com and let’s get started.
