Understanding the Mind-Body Connection
Have you ever found yourself feeling stressed or overwhelmed, but not sure why you feel this way? Polyvagal theory may help you understand what is happening at times like this.
The mind-body connection - Polyvagal Theory
Polyvagal theory explains how the human mind and body respond to stressful and non-stressful situations. The autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is a network of nerves that regulate involuntary bodily functions like heartbeat and breathing, also plays a role in assessing the relative safety of an environment. Polyvagal theory proposes that the ANS affects our perception of threat and limits our range of behaviors and psychological responses.
The three states of the nervous system are:
- Social engagement state (non-stressful): The brain believes you are safe. Your heartbeat and breathing is slow. You are more likely to eat and rest well, feeling relaxed and calm. You may be socially engaged and feel connected with others, allowing empathy and curiosity.
- Fight or flight (stressful): You are unsafe. You are “on the move” against potential danger. Your heart rate, blood pressure, and adrenaline increases. You may feel anxious, irritable, angry, frustrated, or fearful. The world seems less friendly and you may feel guarded and hostile towards others.
- Freeze /Shut down: The brain believes that you are in a life-threatening situation. Your body is focused on self-preservation. Your heart rate and blood pressure go down to conserve energy. You may feel numb, dizzy, hopeless, shameful and dissociated. You may have difficulty getting words out or you may “pass out.” You may feel isolated or disconnected from your experience.
Your past experiences shape your stress response
The ANS operates in the background of your consciousness. This means that the ANS can behave as if under some external threat, without you being aware of any danger in reality. For example, you may feel anxious and uncomfortable socializing during afriendly gathering (fight or flight state), because your brain is sending signals to your ANS that it needs to be on guard. Traumatic experiences can make the ANS very sensitive to “triggers” and cause you to tip into fight or flight or “shutdown” states easily. This makes it difficult for you to get back to a “safe” state, and may exacerbate feelings of disconnection and isolation.
How can therapy help?
Polyvagal theory reminds us that a stress response results from the body being adaptive to what it perceives as a challenging or threatening situation. One implication of this is that since perceptions can be altered or changed, a stress response can also change. Therapy may help you become aware of your mind-body connection by monitoring the “triggers” of stress response unique to each of us. We can also explore our past experiences which may begin to change how we think and feel about them. We can address the feelings of shame that can come with experiencing dissociation or numbness in certain situations, which is a common experience for many people.
The therapists at West Therapy Group can help you find a path to navigate these issues. Contact us to discuss your needs and how we can support you.
