The Health Risks of a Dysregulated Nervous System

"Long after a traumatic event has passed, a person’s nervous system can be reactivated whenever they perceive danger, whether or not danger is present. This feeling of heightened arousal is like being stuck in the “go” or “on” position while at the same time trying to minimize feelings of internal chaos. Nervous system dysregulation can be difficult to explain and equally difficult to experience. These feelings can trigger deep shame, leading to a cycle that is reinforced by the same feelings of dread that the person is trying to escape.

Causes of a Dysregulated Nervous System

One of the biggest predictors of a severely dysregulated nervous system is childhood trauma, specifically chronic and ongoing childhood trauma. Many children develop a maladaptive stress response (nervous system dysregulation) from witnessing domestic violence, being abused or neglected, being bullied, experiencing medical trauma, or having a parent or caregiver who struggles with substance abuse.

Children raised in these conditions can become triggered into a chronic sympathetic nervous system state. Children who experience this type of dysregulation can become adults who are stuck in a “fight” or “flight” trauma response. Many kids who experience a dysregulated nervous system may be stuck in a “freeze” or “fawn” trauma response where they experience emotional numbness, dissociation, or depression.

Other common effects of nervous system dysregulation may include:

1. Thrill-seeking behaviors.

Many who have experienced significant nervous system dysregulation in childhood may not know “how” to feel unless they are engaging in intense experiences that constantly push their physical, emotional, or mental faculties to their limits. On one end of the spectrum, some may get a rush from the effects of workaholism. Others may be on the other end of the spectrum where dangerous hobbies or patterns of engaging in toxic relationships become their “go-to” thrill.

2. Auto-immune disorders and diseases.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are negative experiences that can happen to a child within the first 18 years of their lives. There is a longstanding body of research that correlates higher ACEs scores with an increased risk of a dysregulated nervous system, which can predispose a person to disorders or diseases such as asthma, depression, fibromyalgia, headaches, allergies, diabetes, anxiety, gastrointestinal problems, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, and even cancer. Research suggests that extreme emotional trauma and chronic emotional stress can negatively impact the nervous system and lower a person’s natural resiliency, leaving them vulnerable to physical and mental problems.

3. Hypervigilance.

Hypervigilance is a common outcome of nervous system dysregulation. With hypervigilance, a person is constantly on edge, may always anticipate the worst, and can be easily triggered into an angry, or violent state.

Healing From a Dysregulated Nervous System

Healing requires us to become mindful of our lifestyle patterns and emotional stressors (“triggers”). If you are experiencing symptoms of trauma, please reach out to a trauma-informed clinician."

Read the complete article available at Psychology Today!

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