INTRO -
In this episode, I continue our audio master class in the Polyvagal Theory with the dorsal vagal shutdown state of parasympathetic immobilization.
My name is Justin Sunseri.
I’m a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist obsessed with the polyvagal theory.
Welcome to Stuck Not Broken.
DISCLAIMERS -
Lots more PVT resources on justinlmft.com, including one-pagers on the fundamentals in the file share section
But before I get into things -put yourself first. I keep every episode as safe as I can, but just by the nature of the topics, you may experience some stuff come up. Take a break if you need to.
This podcast is not therapy, nor intended to be a replacement for therapy.
BENEFIT OF SHUTDOWN
Evolutionary benefit
safe/social is for social engagement
flight/fight is for mobilization
Shutdown is for immobilization
Conservation of resources
Vs burning resources in sympathetic flight/fight
Everything slows down
BIOLOGY OF SHUTDOWN
A state we enter when we can’t run away or fight or size differential is too great
Collapse, dissociate, immobilize, “playing dead,”
Think of a possum, mouse in the jaws of a cat
Massive drop in blood pressure and heart rate
Slowing down of the body
Reduced blood flow to the brain = dissociation
Porges quote
Apnea - temporary cessation of breathing
Sleep apnea is a serious reduction in breathing, not safe
Inhibiting movement means less need for food due to decreased metabolism
Pain threshold is raised
System is located below in the gut
This is where you feel it, like around someone that kinda creeps you out
ANIMALS IN SHUTDOWN
Odd posture, emitting foul-smelling odor from anal glands, stick out their tongue
Disgusts the predator because dead prey are a cue of danger. Maybe evolved to avoid a corpse which could carry bacteria or something
Sacrificing neighbors by playing dead - Predator will chase and ignore a corpse
Animals come out of this state in a short manner of time, will look for cues of safety
HUMANS IN SHUTDOWN
When we can’t use socialization to avoid danger, we can’t run or fight
A state we go into as a last resort
Supposed to be a short duration of immobilization
Not ongoing
But we can get stuck in shutdown
The daily state of shutdown is a reflection of the evolutionary benefit of conservation and psychological disconnection and numbness
DAILY EXPERIENCE OF SHUTDOWN
The world is: overwhelming, uninteresting, pointless
Feelings of: hopelessness, numbness, foggy, tired, disconnection, alone, abandoned, worthless
Loss of: energy, motivation, connection, hope, executive function
Become more: cold due to poor blood circulation, dissociative, isolated, disoriented, hidden
STORY FOLLOWS STATE
Lots of judgment and self blame
Keeps the body in a small state of shame and guilt
Pessimism
“What’s the point?”
“I can’t do it.”
Worthlessness
“I’m unlovable”
“Nobody likes me.”
“I’m alone and always will be.”
COMING OUT OF SHUTDOWN
Very difficult, requires patience
Not something we can rush
The judgment of the shutdown state makes this difficult
Getting out of this state requires a gentle return of energy
Through reorienting to the environment
Noticing what is around you, especially not too stimulating
Stimulate the senses
Being outside and feeling the breeze, watching a tree
Through small actions like walking
Just around my backyard
Clients will describe being alone in their room with dim lights under the blankets and coming out in small steps, with their eyes first and just looking around
Safe & Social cues like eye contact and smiles
Calm, quiet
Versus music
Sitting with someone versus playing or dancing
Coming out is noticeable
Energy in the system, sitting upright
Thoughts change to more powerful and motivated
Tonight I noticed more playful energy and playing catch with my son, helping to make dinner and helping him cut out his mother’s day designs; had more capacity to check in with him about his feelings at bedtime
Moving into flight/fight can trigger a sense of Danger, bringing the individual back into shutdown
SHUTDOWN & FREEZE ARE DIFFERENT
Often confused
Freeze is coming up in the next episode
Something called a “mixed state”
Like mixing primary colors
ANNOUNCEMENTS -
BSA on website
THANKS SO MUCH FOR LISTENING!
Building Safety Anchors - https://www.justinlmft.com/challenge-page/5180d0d1-fa0d-4833-8a96-b41546791435/
This week’s Patreon episode -
Intro/Outro music & Transition Sounds by Benjo Beats - https://soundcloud.com/benjobeats
National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 1 (800) 273-8255
National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 799-7233
LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline - 1 (866) 488-7386
National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 (800) 656-4673
Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741741
Call 911 for emergency
This podcast is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy. Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship. Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health sx. Nothing in this podcast should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.
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