In a recently aired episode of Inside South Florida, Agape Behavioral Healthcare’s Isabel Wyss discussed how being in “autopilot mode” can affect your mental health. She discussed the sources and effects of living on autopilot and how to break free from this state of mind.
This article will provide more information about autopilot mode. You’ll learn how to recognize it and get out of this pattern. If you recognize these feelings of behaviors in yourself, you can find the support you need to take back control over the direction of your life at Agape Behavioral Healthcare.
What is Autopilot Mode?
Isabel Wyss, a Clinical Director at Agape Behavioral Healthcare, says that autopilot mode is a phenomenon that occurs when people go through daily routines without being fully present. They may not engage in their activities, resulting in the feeling of time passing by in a blur.
The term “autopilot mode” refers to a program that allows airplanes to follow a pre-determined course. The pilot is there to adjust to unexpected turbulence and other emergent events but is not active in determining the aircraft’s course.
People may slip into autopilot mode, feeling like they’re “going through the motions” during their daily routines. While they may appear to be functioning normally, they may experience feelings of disengagement, frustration, or apathy.
Isabel Wyss gave insights into why people may go into autopilot mode. She said that in many cases, chronic stress or trauma can lead to this detachment from the present. She and other mental health professionals believe that autopilot mode is a coping mechanism that allows people to continue functioning. However, it typically involves suppressing painful emotions. This may lead to an increased risk of mental and physical health problems and substance use disorder (SUD).
Other proposed causes of autopilot mode include:
- A fear of change
- Overwhelming responsibilities
- A preoccupation with routines or consistency
- Decision fatigue–the exhaustion that can come with the responsibility of making many decisions
In her interview, Isabel said that a fulfilling life doesn’t mean constant happiness. Instead, fulfillment comes from accepting the full range of human emotions. This can be challenging, but lifestyle changes and mental health support can help.
What are the Risks of Getting Stuck in Autopilot Mode?
As Isabel Wyss said in her interview, autopilot mode may be a coping mechanism that allows people to continue functioning despite stress. However, many mental health experts believe that getting stuck on autopilot can negatively impact people’s well-being.
People who are in autopilot mode may experience a sense of emptiness. Instead of directing their activities, they simply get through each day. They may not focus on taking care of themselves or finding enjoyment in life. Over time, this can lead to dissatisfaction and feelings of being disconnected from their lives.
Being stuck on autopilot can also keep people from improving themselves. They may not work toward goals or pursue fulfillment. Over time, this can lead to feelings of being dissatisfied with their place or role in life. They may have the sense that they are just existing–not living.
Finally, people stuck on autopilot may not be active in addressing problems, feelings, or experiences that can impact their mental health.
Recognizing Autopilot Mode
Being in autopilot mode can make people feel “stuck” or dissatisfied in their lives. Recognizing the signs of autopilot mode can help people make changes and find support to break free.
Here are some of the signs of being stuck on autopilot.
Abandoning goals
Maybe you’ve given up on a long-term goal related to your personal or professional life. Or, perhaps you have stopped imagining a future where things are different. Feeling like you’re no longer working toward goals could be a sign of autopilot mode.
Loss of interest
Maybe you’ve stopped engaging in hobbies or given up an activity that once felt central to who you are. Feeling as though your passion or interests have dried up may be a sign you’re stuck on autopilot.
Feeling aimless
Perhaps you have experienced arriving at the end of the day (or week, month, or year) and having a difficult time remembering what you did. Moving throughout the day in a haze or simply “getting through” your daily activities can signal you are stuck on autopilot.
Procrastinating
Putting off tasks that lead you closer to your goals may be one of the signs you’re stuck on autopilot. Delaying big decisions or things that may require energy until a later date can result in staying the same.
Recognizing the signs of autopilot mode can help people seek the support and treatment they need to free themselves from it. Getting the proper support can help people stop living on autopilot and get back in the driver’s seat.
How to Get Out of Autopilot Mode
Isabel Wyss shared tips for how people can break free from autopilot mode. She explained that it is important to use strategies to regulate the nervous system. Re-connecting the mind and body is an essential component of leaving autopilot mode.
She said people can do several things to do this, including:
- Spending time in nature
- Staying socially active by surrounding yourself with supportive people
- Exercising regularly
- Practicing mindfulness techniques like daily intentions, meditation, and breathwork
Connecting with mental health support can also help people identify and overcome autopilot mode. Talking to a licensed therapist or other skilled practitioners can help people embrace the full range of human emotions and develop new strategies to cope with stress and challenges.
Find Help Now
If you feel stuck in autopilot mode, you are not alone. Contact the Agape Behavioral Healthcare specialists to explore our mental health treatment and support programs or to make an intake appointment.