Modern understanding of bullying increasingly centers on the nervous system — specifically, the chronic dysregulation that underlies many bullying presentations.
The Nervous System in Bullying
The autonomic nervous system has two primary states relevant to bullying:
Sympathetic activation ('fight or flight'): When chronically activated, drives anxiety-type bullying
Parasympathetic ('rest and digest'): The recovery state — undermined by bullying
Dorsal vagal shutdown: A third state — freeze/collapse — associated with depression-type bullying
Signs of Nervous System Dysregulation in Bullying
Chronic hyperarousal (always 'on edge'), difficulty relaxing even in safe environments, and feeling perpetually exhausted despite rest.
Regulating the Nervous System for Bullying
- Breathwork: Directly activates the parasympathetic nervous system
- Cold exposure: Controlled cold activates the vagus nerve, improving bullying
- Safe social engagement: Co-regulation through trusted relationships
- Movement: Discharges sympathetic activation accumulated in bullying