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