It's not your mindset. It's your nervous system.

We have often heard that anxiety, depression and other unpleasant states are due to our mindset and beliefs.

But what if I told you those states probably have nothing to do with Mindset?!

If you have had adverse childhood conditions and have had emotionally and/or physically unsafe caregivers growing up; you are likely to have a dysregulated Autonomic nervous system (ANS).

The ANS have two branches, one that keeps us in the rest/relaxed state (Parasympathetic) and another branch that gets activated when our bodies need action or are in a stressful situation (Sympathetic).

If you didn’t feel safe in childhood the exchange mechanism between these two branches are “confused” . You find it hard to feel safe, even when you are in a safe situation, with safe people.

You may also often find it hard to form long lasting relationships. Finding it difficult to receive love and help from others. Often preferring isolation.
Additionally, you may feel judged, have addictions and form unhelpful habits and reactions in an unconscious attempt to regulate your nervous system.

A dysregulated nervous system can display an array of different reactions, the above examples are just a few possibilities.

So if you have had done much therapy, coaching and/or utilised cognitive therapeutical approaches without much positive results, this might have been the reason.

And not only childhood adverse situations can cause this issue. Chronic stress and acute traumatic events can also cause this type of dysregulation.

It’s not your fault.
It’s not your mindset.
It’s your nervous system.