Am I in Shock? Where Did My Mojo Go?

Am I in Shock?

How to Recognise It, What to Look For, and How to Help Yourself

When people hear the word shock, they often imagine something dramatic. A sudden accident. A crisis. An emergency.

But shock doesn’t always look like that.

Many people are living in a quiet, ongoing state of shock without realising it. Life may look “fine” on the outside, yet inside something feels flat, tense, disconnected, or constantly on edge.

If you’ve ever wondered “Why do I feel like this when nothing is wrong?”, this may help bring some clarity.

What Is Shock, Really?

Shock is the body and brain’s protective response to feeling overwhelmed, unsafe, or unable to cope at some point in time.

It can be triggered by:

• a single distressing event

• prolonged stress or pressure

• emotional overwhelm

• loss, illness, or ongoing uncertainty

• situations where you had to “hold it together” for too long

When shock happens, the nervous system shifts into survival mode. The aim isn’t happiness or ease, it’s protection.

The challenge is that sometimes the system doesn’t reset, even when the original situation has passed.

How Would I Know If I’m in Shock?

Shock doesn’t always feel dramatic. Often, it feels like:

• Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected

• Living on autopilot

• Constant tension or bracing in the body

• Anxiety without a clear cause

• Difficulty relaxing, even when you have time

• Feeling flat, foggy, or “not myself”

• Overreacting to small things or shutting down completely

• A sense that life has lost colour or meaning

You might still function, work, care for others, and “cope”. But coping isn’t the same as living.

Questions to Ask Yourself

You don’t need to analyse deeply. Just notice gently.

• Do I feel present in my life, or am I just getting through the days?

• Does my body often feel tense, tired, or on edge?

• Do I struggle to feel joy, excitement, or connection?

• Do I feel safe to slow down, or does that feel uncomfortable?

• Have I been telling myself “I should be fine” for a long time?

• Do my reactions sometimes feel bigger or smaller than the situation calls for?

If you answered yes to several of these, it doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you. It suggests your system may still be protecting you.

Gentle Tips to Help Yourself

You don’t need to fix yourself or push anything away. Shock eases when safety returns.

Some simple, supportive steps include:

1. Slow Down Without Forcing Relaxation

Instead of trying to “calm down”, allow moments of slowing without expectation. Even a few minutes of pausing helps signal safety.

2. Bring Attention to the Body

Notice your feet on the floor, your back against the chair, your breath moving naturally. This helps the nervous system reconnect to the present.

3. Reduce Self-Judgement

Shock is not weakness. It’s a normal survival response. Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer someone else.

4. Keep Things Simple

When the system is overloaded, less is more. Gentle routines, basic nourishment, and rest matter more than productivity.

5. Allow Support

Shock often resolves in connection. You don’t have to carry it alone.

Common Pitfalls to Look Out For

When living in shock, people often try to cope in ways that unintentionally keep it going:

• Pushing through exhaustion

• Overthinking or analysing feelings

• Trying to “positive-think” their way out

• Ignoring the body’s signals

• Believing they should be over it by now

These are understandable responses, but they can stop the nervous system from settling.

You Don’t Have to Work This Out Alone

If any of this resonates, it doesn’t mean you’re broken, stuck, or beyond help. It means your system may still be in protection mode, doing its best.

Sometimes, a simple conversation is enough to bring clarity.

Book a Free Consultation

If you’re unsure whether shock or survival mode is playing a role for you, I offer a free consultation where we can gently explore what’s happening and whether support would be helpful.

There’s no obligation, no pressure, and no fixing agenda.
Just a space to check, understand, and feel clearer.