The intersection of depression and polyvagal theory offers profound insights into the ways our nervous system responds to perceived threats. This perspective not only deepens our understanding of depression but also provides a framework to conceptualize how our bodies and minds adapt to extreme stress.
One key concept in polyvagal theory is shutdown, a state that parallels many symptoms of depression.
In this blog:
What is Shutdown in Polyvagal Theory?
According to polyvagal theory, our autonomic nervous system follows a hierarchy of responses to stress:
Safe and Social State (Ventral Vagal Activation): In this state, we feel connected, calm, and able to engage socially.
Flight and Fight Responses (Sympathetic Activation): When safety is compromised, the body prepares to mobilize energy—either to flee or to fight.
Shutdown (Dorsal Vagal Activation): If neither fleeing nor fighting is viable, the body enters a state of immobilization. This is the last-resort survival strategy, often associated with dissociation, numbness, and profound energy conservation.
The Biological Purpose of Shutdown
Shutdown is the body’s way of preparing for survival in situations perceived as inescapable. This response can be observed in prey animals during life-threatening encounters.
Shutdown example: a gazelle immobilized by a predator may go limp, appearing dead, which could increase its chance of escaping if the predator becomes distracted.
For humans, shutdown can manifest as feelings of numbness, dissociation, and a lack of motivation—features that overlap significantly with the symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Depression and Polyvagal Theory: the Shutdown Link
Polyvagal theory provides a lens to understand how the symptoms of depression might reflect a state of biological shutdown. Below, we’ll explore how diagnostic criteria for depression (based on the DSM-5) align with this theory:
1. Depressed Mood
Shutdown is characterized by an absence of joy, connection, or energy. When the nervous system perceives no path to safety, these feelings become biologically unavailable.
Evolutionarily, joy and connection are irrelevant when the body prepares for death.
2. Loss of Interest or Pleasure
Enjoyment and curiosity require access to a safe and social state. When the brain is shut down, it prioritizes survival through collapse and conservation, leaving little room for pleasurable pursuits.
3. Significant Weight Changes or Appetite Changes
Shutdown slows metabolism as part of the body’s energy conservation strategy. A decrease in appetite might reflect this biological slowing. Alternatively, overeating could be a coping mechanism, potentially stimulating the ventral vagal system (associated with safety).
4. Slowing Down of Thought and Movement
This reflects the observable lack of energy and reduced engagement common in shutdown. Individuals may appear disconnected, avoid eye contact, and show diminished physical and mental activity.
5. Fatigue or Loss of Energy
Shutdown is inherently energy-conserving. The body withdraws resources from higher-level functioning, leaving individuals feeling lethargic and incapable of action.
6. Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt
"Story follows state," as Deb Dana explains. In shutdown, the mind generates narratives consistent with the body’s state—leading to thoughts of incompetence, worthlessness, or excessive guilt.
7. Difficulty Thinking or Concentrating
Safe and social states are essential for critical thinking and decision-making. These cognitive functions become inaccessible in shutdown, contributing to indecisiveness and mental fog.
8. Recurrent Thoughts of Death
Shutdown can intensify thoughts of death, aligning with the body's perception of an inescapable threat. This can be a dangerous state, necessitating professional intervention.
Why Humans Get “Stuck” in Shutdown
Unlike animals, which often recover quickly from shutdown, humans can remain trapped in this state due to cultural, emotional, and social factors. Chronic stress, unresolved trauma, or a lack of supportive environments can prevent individuals from climbing back up the autonomic ladder to safety and connection.
The Role of Dissociation in Survival
Dissociation, a hallmark of shutdown, serves a survival purpose. By numbing pain and creating a sense of disconnection from the immediate threat, the nervous system enables the possibility of escape when conditions improve. However, prolonged dissociation can hinder emotional and physical recovery.
Polyvagal Theory and Healing from Depression
Understanding depression through the lens of polyvagal theory highlights the importance of reconnecting with the body and activating the safe and social state. Practices that stimulate the ventral vagal system, such as:
Social engagement (e.g., therapy, community support)
Mindful movement (e.g., yoga, tai chi)
Breathing exercises
Co-regulation with trusted individuals
These interventions can help individuals move out of shutdown and begin the journey toward safety and connection.
Polyvagal Theory: a Compassionate Framework for Depression
By framing depression as a state rooted in the nervous system’s attempt to protect us, polyvagal theory offers a compassionate perspective. It reminds us that symptoms like fatigue, numbness, and dissociation are not signs of failure—they’re survival mechanisms.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, it’s essential to seek professional help. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used to self-diagnose or replace medical advice.
Understanding the connection between depression and polyvagal theory can help us approach healing with greater empathy, offering a roadmap to rediscover safety, connection, and vitality.
Further reading
Complete DSM and Polyvagal Theory episode list
References in episode
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Author Bio:
Justin Sunseri is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Coach specializing in trauma relief. He hosts the Stuck Not Broken podcast and is the author of the Stuck Not Broken book series. Justin is also a member of the Polyvagal Institute's Editorial Board.
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