The term Polyvagal Theory refers to different nervous system states within our bodies. These different nervous system states were developed through evolution to help ensure self-preservation. Polyvagal Theory was created by Stephen Porges, and more is discussed about his work below. He helped to uncover how this theory can be used in everyone’s life. This blog post will focus on discussing how to regulate stress with Polyvagal Theory and what forms of bottom-up therapy utilize this approach.
What Creates Stress in Life?
I’ll keep this section brief as most of the readers know what causes stress in their lives. Here are a few different forms of stress some can experience.
- Holiday Season – financial and toxic interpersonal interactions tend increase during this time
- Job Loss – losing one’s identity or way to support their loved ones
- First Responder Employment – never knowing when or where stressful situations will arise
- Infidelity – betrayal trauma can negatively impact one’s self-worth and esteem
- Chronic Illness – can decrease motivation and one’s fatigue
- Trauma Anniversaries – can bring their own level of stress when certain times of the year come around
The beautiful thing is that we don’t have to live life in a stress response. We can regulate the nervous system with Polyvagal Theory.
There is also a significant difference between short-term stress and chronic stress. As it sounds, short-term stress typically occurs and passes. In these moments, the human body can mostly re-regulate itself. However, chronic stress can lead to long-term health issues.
How Does Stress Impact the Body?
Stress impacts many different regions and systems within the body. When stressful events are prolonged, the body begins to adjust to changes in hormone levels, neurotransmitters, and nervous system dysregulation. From an evolutionary standpoint, these are adaptive changes in one’s life. However, from a civilized perspective, this once-adaptive response can be detrimental over time.
The challenges associated with living in a constant state of stress can be seen in a variety of areas. Avoidance tendencies may increase because dealing with past and current stressors may appear insurmountable. Both mental and physical health symptoms may appear as stress changes the body’s physiology over time. Lastly, interpersonal relationships may become stressed as one’s irritability and isolation increase as stress becomes more prominent. Here’s a great read by the American Psychological Association on how stress can impact the body. Holding stress in the body for long periods of time may create lasting negative changes in someone’s life.
What is Polyvagal Theory?
Polyvagal Theory is a guide for mental health workers on how to provide psychoeducation and interventions related to regulating the autonomic nervous system. When chronic stress enters someone’s life, their nervous system may become dysregulated, which can then lead to significant challenges with mood, mental health symptoms, fatigue, and sleep. By educating people on the importance of Polyvagal Theory, mental health therapists can spread both awareness and tools to help regulate the autonomic nervous system.
How Can Polyvagal Theory Help Manage Stress?
Polyvagal Theory identifies different states within the nervous system and how to regulate this system. Stress can impede the automaticity in which the nervous system regulates itself. Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory teaches people concrete ways to regulate the nervous system. This allows people to be more responsive than reactive when stressors arise and to maintain valued living during challenging times. More can be read about Polyvagal Theory by following this link here. Polyvagal Theory underpins compassionate and empathic responses in our internal self-talk and interactions with others.
Polyvagal-Informed EMDR Therapist Near Milwaukee, WI
Polyvagal Theory informs Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. EMDR therapy is a bottom-up form of psychotherapy that utilizes Polyvagal Theory to establish nervous system awareness and regulation skills before advancing to memory reprocessing. EMDR therapy is a powerful form of therapy that can help one heal from chronic stress, trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, and substance use urges. Polyvagal theory is pivotal in the beginning phases of EMDR therapy.
If you or someone you know has challenges with rapid mood swings, struggles to connect with their body, or experiences high loads of stress, a Polyvagal-informed therapist may be able to support them in this recovery journey. You can submit a form by following this link or by calling 720.295.6703 to schedule a complimentary 15-minute free consultation call.
