Shutdown State

A collection of blogs that focus on the dorsal vagal state of shutdown immobility of the Polyvagal Theory.

Jun 13, 202311 min read

Understanding Dorsal Vagal Shutdown: from Collapse to Trauma

Explore the impact of dorsal vagal shutdown on mental health, recognize symptoms, and discover effective strategies for recovery.

Mar 24, 20235 min read

The Slow and Steady Path to Healing: How to Come Out of Shutdown and Reconnect After Trauma

If you're living in trauma, you may be familiar with shutdown. This is a Polyvagal state where you feel immobilized and disconnected...

Jan 5, 20232 min read

Polyvagal Freeze vs Shutdown Video Quiz

Identifying the difference between Polyvagal freeze and shutdown immobilization is significant in trauma recovery. Can you identify...

Jan 2, 20233 min read

I'm shocked this Polyvagal concept is still mistaught

This must be clarified in the Polyvagal world. It's hugely important. I'll also share the ridiculous reason I think it is so rampant.

Oct 8, 20223 min read

Is it Possible to Come Out of Polyvagal Shutdown?

Yes, coming out of a Polyvagal shutdown state is possible.

Jan 10, 20225 min read

the Shutdown System of the Polyvagal Paradigm

This is a section from my free e-book, Trauma & the Polyvagal Paradigm . The eBook is also available in its extended version as Stuck Not...

May 11, 20212 min read

Shutdown - 1 Page Lesson

The shutdown system is important for conservation of bodily resources.

Oct 20, 20207 min read

Why are my emotions numb after trauma?

Learn the answer to - Why are you emotionally numb after trauma? Discover how numbness extends beyond emotions.

Jan 13, 20204 min read

Depression and Polyvagal Theory: a Dorsal Vagal Shutdown

How does the shutdown state of the polyvagal theory relate to major depressive disorder?

Nov 17, 20194 min read

Shutdown vs. Freeze

Shutdown and Freeze are not the same thing.