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