The fight-flight-freeze stress response is the biological foundation of many vagus nerve presentations. Understanding it demystifies vagus nerve and points toward effective interventions.
The Three Stress Responses in Vagus Nerve
Fight: Anger, aggression, irritability — vagus nerve channeled outward
Flight: Avoidance, escape, withdrawal — the most common vagus nerve behavioral pattern
Freeze: Paralysis, numbness, shutdown — depression and dissociation-type vagus nerve
How Chronic Activation Drives Vagus Nerve
When the stress response activates repeatedly or doesn't turn off, it creates the chronic physiological state underlying vagus nerve: elevated cortisol, dysregulated neurotransmitters, disrupted sleep.
Working With Your Stress Response in Vagus Nerve
- Name it: 'My nervous system is in fight/flight/freeze right now'
- Move: Physical movement discharges the mobilization energy of fight/flight
- Breathe: Activates the off-switch for the stress response
- Connect: Safe social engagement signals to the nervous system that the threat has passed