How to know if your nervous system is dysregulated
In general terms:
- An over activated Sympathetic nervous system will often have symptoms such as:
Muscular tension, chronic pain, inability to sleep or relax, tendency to feel anxious, racing thoughts, worries, rage outbursts, hyper vigilance.
- An over activated Parasympathetic nervous system symptoms can be: low energy, exhaustion, numbness, poor digestion, poor immune system function, low blood pressure, depression, dissociation, apathy, disconnection in relationships.
And there is also more complexity in between sympathetic and parasympathetic, non reciprocal patterns. This was my case, but it eventually became more and more parasympathetic responses such as dissociation, depression, low energy and apathy.
And this was the reason that at some point I developed Chronic fatigue syndrome and an auto immune condition linked to the digestive system.
Shutdown is a clever response to threat, it conserves energy and “playing dead” keeps you off the radar and also helps you stop dealing with more responsibilities and more stress. It’s the indication that your system is craving for rest and regulation.
How to know if your nervous system is dysregulated?
Observe your life and ask yourself these questions:
• Am I able to complete the tasks and projects I want to complete without having to push myself super hard to get it done?
• Am I energetic, inspired and full of ideas one day (or for a few days/weeks), then crashing on another day/s?
• Do I have a low threshold for external stimuli?
• Do I get stressed and/or overwhelmed easily when a few things have to be done in a short period of time?
If you answered yes to any of these questions your nervous system is likely to be dysregulated.
Nervous system regulation is the base for good physical, mental and emotional health.
Does this make sense to you? Please share.
Disclaimer: things are often more complex than a short post on Instagram. These are pointers to be explored with curiosity and open mind and not a fixed diagnosis.
