The purpose of sharing this information is to shift away from pathologizing these innate, natural human responses. Our amazing, intelligent brains and bodies possess sophisticated mechanisms to protect us from perceived threats. These responses, while sometimes uncomfortable and confusing to navigate, serve as adaptive functions that have ensured our survival as a species.
Hyperarousal keeps us vigilant and ready to act, while hypoarousal conserves energy and helps us endure overwhelming situations. When those responses fail, the dorsal vagal "shutdown" mode acts as a final protective measure. By dramatically slowing bodily functions, its purpose is to survive extreme stress or conserve resources in dire circumstances.
Hyperarousal: The Fight or Flight Response
Hyperarousal, often referred to as the "fight or flight" response, is an adaptive mechanism that our bodies employ when faced with perceived threats. This heightened state of physiological and psychological arousal prepares us to react swiftly and effectively to potential dangers.
The Biology Behind Hyperarousal
When triggered, the sympathetic nervous system floods the body with stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This biochemical surge leads to a range of physical changes, including:
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Rapid breathing
Heightened muscle tension
Sharpened senses
These reactions prime the body for immediate action, whether it's confronting the threat head-on or fleeing to safety. The potential dangers that we face on a daily basis have evolved over time (we probably don't worry so much about getting eaten by lion), and hyperarousal symptoms can present themselves both physically and mentally in our modern lives. Individuals may experience excessive alertness, hypervigilance, anger outbursts, difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts, and/or sleep disturbances. Emotionally, one might feel anxious, irritable, or easily startled.
Hypoarousal: Freeze, Fawn, and Dorsal Vagal Collapse
In contrast, hypoarousal represents a state of diminished arousal. Physical symptoms may include feeling numb, disconnected from one's body, or experiencing a sense of heaviness. Emotionally, individuals might feel flat, empty, or disconnected from others. Cognitive effects can involve difficulty processing information or feeling mentally "foggy." This state manifests in three primary forms: freeze, fawn, and dorsal vagal collapse.
The Freeze Response
When faced with overwhelming threat, the body may enter a freeze state. The freeze response serves as a protective mechanism, allowing an individual to conserve energy and potentially avoid detection by a predator or aggressor. This involuntary response can manifest as:
Physical immobility or rigidity
Feeling "stuck" or unable to move
Slowed heart rate and breathing
Reduced pain sensitivity
The Fawn Response
The fawn response involves appeasing or pleasing others to avoid conflict. The fawn response likely developed as a way to placate aggressors and maintain social bonds. In threatening situations, especially those involving powerful others, fawning may help reduce conflict and secure protection. This response often develops as a survival strategy in abusive or neglectful environments. Individuals may:
Become overly agreeable
Neglect personal needs to satisfy others
Struggle with setting boundaries
Dorsal Vagal Collapse
In extreme cases of perceived threat, the body may enter a state of dorsal vagal collapse. This profound shutdown can lead to:
Feeling faint or dizzy
Inability to move
Extreme fatigue
Dissociation or feeling disconnected from reality
Difficulty processing information
Normalizing the Experiences of Adaptive Responses
The Spectrum of Reactions
Adaptive responses exist on a spectrum, and your position on this continuum can fluctuate based on various factors. Some people may experience intense fight-or-flight reactions, while others might tend towards freeze or fawn responses. Similarly, some individuals may be more prone to dorsal vagal collapse, while others never encounter this state.
Contextual Influences
These responses are highly context-dependent. Your reactions may vary significantly based on the specific situation, your current stress levels, past experiences, and genetics. What triggers a strong response in one scenario might not elicit the same reaction in another context.
Embracing Your Unique Patterns
It can be helpful to tune-in and learn to better understand your own patterns. Recognizing, acknowledging, and normalizing the way that your unique brain and body respond can be a powerful step towards increased self-awareness and emotional regulation.
References:
Beutler, S., Mertens, Y. L., Ladner, L., Schellong, J., Croy, I., & Daniels, J. K. (2022). Trauma-related dissociation and the autonomic nervous system: a systematic literature review of psychophysiological correlates of dissociative experiencing in PTSD patients. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 13(2).
Levine, P. A. (1997). Waking the tiger: Healing trauma. North Atlantic Books.
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