By: Kayli Beaty, LMFT Associate Supervised by Dr. Mark White
“I just need to snap out of it.” “I don’t know why I can’t get over myself.” “Will I ever get out of this funk?” If the human heart were capable of “just snapping out of it,” you would have done it by now. We were not designed to switch our brains on and off, as circumstances and emotions are far more complex than that.
Many are familiar with the term “fight or flight,” which describes an emotional state where an individual is often overwhelmed and anxious, blood pressure is increased, and the nervous system is hyper-aroused. The nervous system can also be found in a state of “dorsal vagal shutdown” that occurs when the nervous system is in a state of hypoarousal, shut down, and immobilization (polyvagalinstitute, 2023). Those who find themselves in dorsal vagal shutdown may experience feelings of hopelessness, shame, being overwhelmed, and other symptoms of depression. This state can often feel like an empty room with no exit door. Your nervous system has made its way to this state in an attempt to protect you from the adverse experience you may be experiencing or have experienced in the past. Here is the good news: you can travel from this space to a state of safety and rest. Identifying the underlying emotions that form the overarching feelings of hopelessness or shame can be a tangible first step in gearing your autonomic nervous system toward safety, rest, and regulation. Apply grace to yourself, as it has taken experiences to operate from a space of dorsal vagal shutdown, and it will take some new experiences to healthily form new patterns.
God designed us for community and connection. You do not have to operate in this space alone. If you or someone in your life feels immersed in a riptide of emotions, often leaving you feeling frozen, hopeless, or disconnected, I invite you to schedule an appointment with me, Kayli Beaty, through our portal at dwatherapy.com, or call our office at 806-780-0003.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Kayli
References
Polyvagalinstitute. (2023). Polyvagal theory: Summary, premises, & current status.
