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