Blog
“True transformation begins when we choose to face our fears, embrace our strengths, and take the first step toward the life we truly want.”
Christopher Denzler, MA, LMHC, LPC.
Beyond Survival Mode: How to Recognize and Reclaim Thriving
Life constantly presents challenges, and our nervous system is designed to respond. When danger or stress arises, we enter survival mode—the fight, flight, or freeze response. This state prioritizes immediate safety and basic needs. It’s useful in emergencies, but harmful if it becomes our default way of living.
Surviving means focusing only on getting through the day. You may feel stuck, exhausted, or disconnected. Joy and creativity feel out of reach.
Thriving means engaging fully with life. You feel connected, purposeful, and resilient. Challenges still come, but you navigate them with strength and hope.
Survival mode keeps you alive. Thriving mode helps you live.
Beat to the Bone: Getting Help Before You Break
In December 2023, the CDC released a sobering report detailing suicide rates across industries and occupations in the United States. The findings are stark: suicide among working-age Americans has surged by approximately 33% over the past two decades (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a wake-up call. Behind these numbers are real people, families, and communities grappling with silent suffering.
Supporting Indiana’s Mental Health: A Path Forward
Mental health challenges touch every corner of Indiana, from our bustling cities to the quietest rural roads. At Legend, we see firsthand how stress, anxiety, and depression affect Hoosiers of all ages. This article explores the state of mental health in Indiana, highlights why local counseling matters, and explains how our practice partners with you on the journey toward greater well-being.