you're not lazy...you're stuck in the freeze response

Summary

In this insightful video, licensed therapist Simone Saunders explores the concept of emotional regulation and nervous system dysregulation, specifically focusing on hypoarousal or the 'freeze response.' She likens the amygdala to a smoke detector, highlighting how it triggers automatic responses to perceived threats, sometimes leading to numbness or inaction. Using the 'Window of Tolerance' model, she explains how stress can push individuals into hyperarousal (fight/flight) or hypoarousal (freeze/fawn) states. Saunders emphasizes the importance of curiosity and awareness to identify triggers and suggests practical strategies like physical movement and sour candies to help regain balance. Her approach encourages a shame-free understanding of one's emotional state, aiming to widen the 'window of tolerance' for better emotional resilience.

Takeaways

• 📺 The script discusses the concept of emotional regulation and nervous system dysregulation, particularly focusing on the 'freeze response' or hypoarousal.
• 🧠 The amygdala is likened to a smoke detector in the brain, triggering automatic responses to perceived danger without distinguishing between real and imagined threats.
• 🔍 When the amygdala is activated, the prefrontal cortex, responsible for logic and decision-making, is suppressed to allow for quick survival responses.
• 🌡️ The 'Window of Tolerance' is introduced as a state of emotional regulation where one can handle life's challenges effectively with the prefrontal cortex engaged.
• 🔴 The 'Red Zone' or hyperarousal represents emotionally activated states like fight or flight, leading to anxiety, panic, or anger.
• 🔵 The 'Blue Zone' or hypoarousal is the opposite, characterized by the freeze and fawn responses, where one feels numb, dissociative, or lethargic.
• 🚶‍♀️ The freeze response is compared to walking through mud, where despite wanting to move faster, one's progress is slowed due to the state of the nervous system.
• 💡 The speaker suggests that experiences of hardship can shrink the window of tolerance, making it harder to handle emotional activation and discomfort.
• 🔑 Awareness and understanding are key to widening the window of tolerance, allowing for more emotional activation without overwhelming the nervous system.
• 🔎 Curiosity is encouraged as a shame-free way to understand what activates the nervous system's dysregulation, rather than using shame to try to 'fix' oneself.
• 🏃‍♂️ Strategies for dealing with hypoarousal include physical movement, using sour candies to shock the system, and calling out one's own behaviors to gain awareness and initiate action.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video script?

The main topic discussed in the video script is the concept of emotional regulation and nervous system dysregulation, specifically focusing on the 'freeze response' or hypoarousal.

Who is Simone Saunders and what is her profession?

Simone Saunders is a licensed therapist and social worker based in Calgary, Alberta. She discusses lifestyle, mental health, and wellness in her videos.

What is the 'smoke detector' metaphor used to describe in the script?

The 'smoke detector' metaphor is used to describe the function of the amygdala in the brain, which acts as an emotional center that triggers automatic responses to perceived danger.

What happens when the amygdala is activated according to the script?

When the amygdala is activated, the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for logic and decision-making, turns off. This is because in moments of imminent danger, the body needs to make quick decisions without the need for logical thinking.

What are the three automatic responses mentioned in the script?

The three automatic responses mentioned are fight, flight, freeze, and fawn. These responses are triggered by the amygdala when it perceives danger.

What is the 'Window of Tolerance' in the context of the script?

The 'Window of Tolerance' refers to a state where a person is emotionally regulated, meaning they can handle life's challenges and stressors without their nervous system becoming dysregulated.

What does hypoarousal represent in the script?

Hypoarousal represents a state of low emotional activation, which includes the freeze and fawn responses. It is characterized by feelings of numbness, dissociation, lethargy, and unmotivation.

What is the suggested approach to understanding one's nervous system dysregulation?

The suggested approach is to use curiosity as a shame-free lens to gather information about what dysregulates the nervous system, without judgment or self-blame.

What are some strategies mentioned in the script to help with hypoarousal?

Some strategies mentioned include getting curious about one's daily life, experimenting with physical movement to increase activation, using sour candies to shock the nervous system into a present state, and calling out the freeze response when it occurs.

What is the ultimate goal of awareness and understanding in relation to the nervous system as discussed in the script?

The ultimate goal is to widen the 'Window of Tolerance' so that a person can experience more emotional activation and discomfort without their nervous system becoming completely dysregulated.

Why is it important to be aware of what activates the nervous system's freeze response?

It is important to be aware of what activates the freeze response to understand the environments and interactions that impact the nervous system, which can provide valuable information for managing and improving emotional regulation.

How does the script suggest using shame in relation to nervous system dysregulation?

The script suggests avoiding shame as it perpetuates the cycle of dysregulation. Instead, it encourages using curiosity to understand the nervous system's reactions without judgment.