TRAUMA RESOURCE

Why You Feel Anxious, Shutdown, or Overwhelmed

Many people move between anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and numbness without understanding why. These shifts can feel unpredictable and frustrating. Polyvagal theory offers a framework for understanding these patterns as nervous system responses rather than personal failures.

Disclaimer: This resource is for educational purposes only and does not replace psychotherapy or assessment.

Anxiety Through a Polyvagal Lens

Anxiety often reflects a nervous system in a mobilized state, preparing for danger.

This may include:

• Racing thoughts

• Tension or restlessness

• Difficulty sleeping

• Feeling “on edge”

From a polyvagal perspective, anxiety is the body trying to keep you safe.

Emotional Numbness and Shutdown

When the nervous system perceives threat as overwhelming or inescapable, it may shift into shutdown.

This can feel like:

• Low energy or fatigue

• Emotional blunting

• Disconnection from others

• Difficulty feeling motivated

Shutdown is not giving up. It is a protective response.

Why You May Swing Between States

Many people alternate between anxiety and shutdown, especially when stress is chronic. The nervous system is trying to regulate itself with limited resources.

This pattern is common in trauma, burnout, chronic stress, and caregiving roles.

The Role of Safety and Connection

According to polyvagal theory, the nervous system is regulated most effectively through cues of safety, including:

• Predictable relationships

• Attuned connection

• Gentle pacing

• A sense of choice and agency

This is why safe relationships are central to healing.

Why “Calm Down” Rarely Works

Telling yourself to calm down addresses the thinking brain, not the nervous system. Regulation happens through experiences that signal safety to the body. This does not mean you are doing something wrong. It means your nervous system needs support, not pressure.

How Therapy Supports Nervous System Regulation

Therapy becomes a space for regulation, not just insight. Polyvagal-informed therapy focuses on:

• Recognizing early cues of dysregulation

• Supporting the body’s sense of safety

• Expanding the window of tolerance

• Building nervous system flexibility over time

A Note on Support: These resources are intended to offer understanding and reflection. If you find that these topics bring up strong emotions or feel closely connected to your experiences, working with a therapist can provide personalized support in a safe and collaborative way.