I don't hi k he understands people so have karma with execution repetitive karma like one work they go to so they r overly priced things or wrongly sold stuff or stuff not easily found hence the sim lighting etc ..there is always a lapse in every study i aee
I feel like being overweight itself is a trauma I am surviving and is causing more triggers again and again. I have been imprisoned and unable to be free for 30 years. It has definitely traumatized me. Along with the childhood with emotionally immature parents and my son's suicide at age 11 has created a perfect storm of devastation. I wish there was somewhere to go to do extensive work to help me. Right now it seems like I am finding answers only online
I agree fully. I was happy ish and confident when I had control of my body and health. As a woman whose had kids and body has changed its traumatic. I is coupled w problems w family or relationships surrounding the mother during that change. One way or other you have a great point
0:00 - Introduction 1:43 - What is a shutdown? 3:24 - How do I come out of shutdown? 8:00 - Step 1a: Validate 9:10 - Step 1b: Normalize 9:40 - Step 1c: Give Permission 10:48 - Step 2: Find safety while in shutdown 17:58 - Step 3: Work on vegal break strength (ongoing) 19:36 - Step 4: Prepare for sympathetic energy return
Sensory overlead and a tendency to oversleep in my case. I'm very introverted and I love the night, cozy things and nature photography, but I also love color therapy with LED lamps that can change color.
I literally just turned on a led light purple. Very soothing is night time my favorite time as well as before sunrise. I’m learning about shutdown now.
Makes a lot of sense that when moving 'up' and out of the shutdown you come in the sympathic activity and a fight response. I actually was enranged often by something minor, then afterwards going back to feeling like an empty shell. I knew I had to channel this disproportionate energy somehow and found a good way to do that in pulling sprints on a bicycle and martial arts (kickboxing). Just to get the raw activation out. If you supress it, it just comes back at a different moment. After some time I was able to regulate my emotions again in a normal way and slowly recovered. For the people who are just 'in it': it may seem you are broken beyond repair and something fundamenrally changed inside of you, but you can definitly go back to normal (albeit wiser). Just listen to your true instincts and find something which is a release and let the way of releasing also change over time if necessary.
ive been in complete dorsal vagal shutdown for more than19 month😭i just cant get out of it ive been stuck so bad tried many anti depressants but nothing has worked so far..i would give my everything to get heal and feel connected again.ive been experiencing severe dissociation ,disconnection from my body,from my surrounding and my emotions😢😢😢
Thank you for this and don't listen to the haters about the ads. Obviously, you need to put food on the table, and people can get YT premium if they don't want to deal with ads. Personally, I get a lot more value from YT premium than Netflix, Hulu, etc.
Absolutely! I subscribe to YT premium instead of movie streaming channels. Ads and corporations who display them are meant to manipulate the viewer to buy their product, often using psychological principles to do so. 7:48 Those watching a video like this are vulnerable emotionally, and should not be shamed for being vulnerable. Congratulations to you that you are strong enough to not be impacted by ads….right?
I agree I have been a UA-cam premium member for about 3 years and it's definitely worth the price if you can afford it which $10 a month should be doable for most people who already own a phone.
@@AngieF8 Mine was $10 a month for the longest time but recently jumped to $15. I remember something about being grandfathered in with the $10 price, but I guess they recently changed that. :/
This is helpful thank you! Going to look into the safety thing a bit more. I am now understanding that Ive (possibly background of perfectionism/criticism) taken a REALLY long time to validate, seek support in safe people or to stop hiding what I have been going through. Also alternating between sitting in shame/distraction or unhealthy coping mechanisms, and then when I have made any progress… tend to push it too quickly, reengage with super triggering things and/or shame myself for not being ‘better’ or being able to rebuild my entire life in a week. After 5 years of massive external trauma and life experiences that also brought up /re-visited for the first time as an adult… childhood trauma and abuse etc. What I finally noticed this year (and this resonates with some of this content) that the MOST healing thing was to finally accept what was happening. To tell other people about it and not sugar coat it. To ask for help, as in, I literally can’t function and I need help. Also to be vocal about my struggles. Even to the point of if a checkout person at target asks me something I will straight up be like, I am going through a depressive episode right now so I need some help with the self checkout. Which I know sounds ridiculous but the shocking amount of even strangers, my landlord, neighbors, people I meet on the street that have stepped in with small or larger gestures that remind me that I am worth being here. That there are others going through similar things.. to stop ‘masking’ or to even say I can’t talk right now because I am isolating (even if I have energy to do so). And to debunk this bullshit persona I have put on my entire life as someone who has eveything ‘together’ is what has helped me actually start to FEEL again. It is like the validation that I never had, and had never given myself. And I don’t care how extreme or how much of a weak person or ‘victim’ I sound like because I’m not- I’m someone who has been through a LOT. And I deserve support and love and help. That’s it. Through this process over the past year, I have started to feel more myself again. I am still up and down and needing to clean my environment and build more daily tasks and not just be at home not functioning then going out and being ‘normal’ .. I still have a road ahead of me. But it is amazing the level of internal shift that has occurred the more I stopped fighting and started embracing or even legit shamelessly ‘wearing’ this pain on the outside. I stopped trying. Ironically that has helped me believe again.
I'm currently experiencing shut down, & rainy/ ovrrcast days are THE WORST!!! It's like herding cats to get myself out the house & to my in-patient program, then difficult to stay engaged. Doesn't help that it's been pretty un-spring-like here in the midwest... 🤯
Brilliant!! Thanks so much. I’m going to learn more about Total Access. 12 years on UA-cam, first time I’m looking at buying something advertised- consciously 😅 Thank you again 🙏
Excellent. With regulated vagal and boundaries...then power has compassion and empathy....this is really good stuff. These past few years the stress was/is unrelenting!!!
Super helpful. Makes so much sense to me. 5 weeks of intense outpatient therapy and nobody talked about these steps or feelings I felt I needed. Thank you soo much.
Your video popped up all of a sudden and I'm glad I watched your videos 😀 I cried the second you said there is a reason for being in a shutting down state 😳 It felt like I was validating the state I'm in ❤️
I just couldnt scroll further.....I really advice to find a flower essence therapist! Flower essences Will help you to find the strength and peace within . It really works .I have done it. And now I am Bach flower therapist and help others. There are so many flower therapists out there to help you. Just have an open mind. I have helped people being able to leave their comfort zone for what ever reason. And even people with HSP , autism.... Good luck . The only thing is to have an open mknd and let nature help. If someone is on medication ,NO problem....❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Unnatural. An injection is not going to help create the needed safety in your nervous system, or increase your capacity to deal with uncomfortable sensations
I just had a private conversation on FB messenger where I said to my friend that I can barely lift my hand and it's almost like my body is shutting down. I swear they're spying on us...but I'm not a conspiracy theorist so I'll stop there. In reality I'm glad this showed on my feed. I have a doctor appt tomorrow and I couldn't figure out how to word this issue. Thank you.
OMG... I have been suffering from this since 2017 and all doctors and professors and tests etc think it (extreme heavy apathy also known as abulia or loss of will, say it's trauma related). But it sometimes gets slightly better for maybe a week or two or untill a slight unexpected thing comes along and I get back into that state . But not because I choose to (I think anyway) like a subconscious thing. Could this be what I'm experiencing, I know my disability and symptoms but this description is so exact.i am taking stimulants for it, and they help a bit sometimes but I don't go outside, not even I'm my garden and I live near the ocean. Trauma was in 2013 heavy symptoms got worse since 2017 till now, and I'm trying or I have been. It sounds very familiar, this description.,
Wow, wow, wow… The most exact way of explaining the state I have been in for the last three years, changing from shutdown to fight every days or weeks, not knowing what to make out of it, what it means, where it is coming from. I thought it as a coming and going of depression that only I am experiencing. It is so relieving to hear it’s a common experience after trauma and how creating safety may help. I will treasure this and work on it. Thank you🙏🏻
Im totally in either Shut down of freeze do to Multiple external traumas . This may be an introverts way of dealing with unmanageable circumstances , unfortunately social anxiety is increased so meaningful social connections are very difficult at this time ! Thanks for your logical understanding of this topic ! Most Docs just put people on pharmaceuticals to treat their symptoms , Lame ,western , profit based medicine . 😅
Agree Agree Agree! Everything u said is 100% me! I literally get sooo annoyed when my love ones(like almost all of them) continue to harass me with, "u NEED to go see and talk to a doctor!" "U need to get put on some type of medicine!" "There are sooo many to choose from and I'm sure there is a right 1 that can be prescribed to you!!" Ughhhh
Thank you for the breakdown and these steps you've mentioned. Ive been in major shutdown mode for the last 7 months. I cant leave the house, check my mail, and even take a shower. Its never been this bad before. It doesnt help living in an apartment where people are everywhere. No privacy! 😢
Thank you Justin! Your unpacking of Polyvagal theory has been empowering and transformative. I’ve been in shutdown for several years. You make this accessible and easy to assimilate. I’m enjoying your book Stuck Not Broken 1, and looking forward to 2 & 3. Recently, I went to your website and discovered the free lessons on Polyvagal Theory. I love the clarity and orderly layout of concepts and supported studies that guide us through layered learning. You make an otherwise difficult and complex theory into easy to digest and apply. Thank God I found you. I’m finally seeing the way out of this cave.❤
@@Sunshine-hv1eu I’m glad I read your comment as I too have been in a shutdown mode since late 2017. I’ve been diagnosed with depression and anxiety for many years have had ups and downs with both but with this shutdown it has been like nothing else I’ve ever dealt with and can’t seem to break out of it. Yes it scares me being stuck in this for so long, another thing I don’t know if it relates or not but I have a hard time crying even when my Mum died also with my brothers unexpected death and when my Father passed away. Initially with Dad and brother I cried very hard and was really sad but at the funeral home and through all of that I didn’t cry it made me feel like there was something wrong with me. I’m glad I found this video on UA-cam and feel excited to explore and get into my getting out of this. Thank you Sunshine
I've been figuring this out myself through chakra work, definitely focusing on safety of my body has made a huge difference, and also shedding away excess energy, feeling the feels, what made me think my unsafetyness was vagal related was my overactivity, which I read somewhere was a thing with a shutdown vagal nerve. Seems like connecting with emotions through old hobbies like videogames has allowed my belly area to feel more warm with emotion and perhaps that's reactivating the nerve. Now I think I need to be aware of my belly area more and listen to the feels there instead of panicking and going into overdo overthink mode. I've been belly breathing which seems to be working at keeping me feel safe. Little by little I'm gaining power but fight mode comes easily and I might get lost in it but I think I hadn't built adequate safety. This content speaks to me, Thank you very much. This process takes great patience but I encourage everyone it this, you can find yourself again!
For me it is because of lose, and the fact that being and experiencing life as a 'father' had come to the end of its journey. Everything else was always so easy to fight through. Not this tho Love u baby girl... I still look for u everywhere.
I have been literally feeling this from last 1 year. The time when I had to make my career decision I went through this phase due to overthinking. Since then my life has went upside down. Watching this now it makes a lot of sense why I've been feeling depressed for so long.
If I could find a safety state I would use it. Already spend an insane amount of time in bed or falling asleep in a recliner watch ing tv trying to visualize pray meditate etc…
Thanks for sharing Justin! I've been on a long healing journey. It wasn't until 11 months at a Zen Monastery that I had one of my first experiences coming out of the shutdown state. My mindfulness practice mixed with somatic practices has really helped me. It's been intense bringing things up and my body is very tired. Thanks for sharing more tools with me.
Thank you so much for this. I can say that these these tactics truly work. I've came out of it before basically doing the same things. It truly works. Now navigating through it again.
This is awesome, I love the way you keep the explanations short but tell us about your more indepth videos for deeper exploration, & the way you explained it so people can easily understand it & themselves alot easier & better, you are one of the most genuine teachers/guides ive seen & heard, love how you dont continuously promote yourself during the teachings as many others do. BRAVO to you Sir 👏 🙌 ❤
Amazing podcast. Thank you so much. There's a lot of information about understanding our states, but not so much about how to come out of it. Your video is extremely helpful. Thank you so much.
I just came across your page and i subscribed as soon as I finished this video. Such incredible information and I feel like I got so much out of this. Can’t wait to watch more ❤
I havent been able to take care of myself, work, clean, organize, or any other human things, for years. I dont generally accept that its ok. I generally feel that im lucky i have someone to take care of me or i wud be on the streets. Which makes me feel failure qnd shame, but to a much less degree than i was when i was fully shut down all the way when i didnt leave bed for the four years. If i had a lot of money i know i cud get the help i need to really deal with this. I feel like i need to be at the beach and alone and massage and somatic exercise and extensive therapy. But i guess i can tey to figure this out for ten years lol ugh
wow! thank you so much for sharing your knowledge in a sense that seems like you've experienced it. I've read about polyvagal theory and tried some exercises. Your detailed, organized, experiential explanation is so helpful, as I navigate burnout. I really appreciate it!
I really don't find safety from observing my envrionment, guess this is also from having experiences with quite severe derealizatiopn episodes which frightened the sh*t out of me. But i'll try to safely reconnect with my surroundings as good as possible.
Found your video tight now + i was listening to it totally focussed. Congratulations!! Very good explanations, i love it and i hope it can help me and my shutdown. Lovely greetings from switzerland 🤩
So many different stores!!! A good thing to do,that Will always help... Find a Bach flower essence therapist or some other flower therapist, there are so many clever ones in Canada and the rest of USA and other countries. You Will just do a test and you Will get the personal blen and can really start your healing Journey. I promise that it will make a difference for the person trying it. It works on cats,dogs,horses,humans,plants.... I have helped people with anxiety, depression,fear and suicidal thoughts and everyone are now over worst threshhold and can begin with other helpful holistic treatments. And flower essences can be taken even If someone is on medication..... My motto is: it does not matter what you do as long as it helps!! Bless you all, good luck!
Were you deliberately facing a different camera? I would love to see this video with your face facing the audience! This information is invaluable and I will be watching this video more than once.
I was looking at my notes. I used to just record this podcast on video without taking it seriously. I've started being more deliberate about my camera facing in all newer videos. :)
Why would this bother you? Personally, I don't need a podcaster/therapist staring at me ... especially when they're dealing with people such as myself who's in shutdown.
I'm surprised too, but it's a question/comment that others have left too. I assume people feel more connection with me when I look at the camera. Makes sense.
I found the video too long to take anything in,would love shorts steps on how to get myself out of the shutdown as my brain wont sit still long enough to listen to the whole video everytime without wandering off somewhere, already watched the video on what shutdown is so that could have been left out as i think everyone has come here from that,badly need to get myself back to life
A great big thank you to you Justin and your channel! I appreciate the knowledge it will help me tremendously with having words to explain my thoughts when I meet with my new medical providers. I am now a new subscriber and I have many people that your information will be helpful. Thank you for being you! 🙏🙏💯
I’m new to all this. But I believe Covid shut me down 2 years ago. I now have Gastoparisis because of it. Not just the stress of it but catching the virus itself. And now got Covid 3 weeks ago and have a rapid heartbeat. Doc says she sees that a lot. So for whatever reason, according to the cardiologist, my body’s autonomic or parasympathetic nervous is out of whack and things aren’t working correctly. Do these things u teach apply to helping my body heal from these issues?
I didn't create my system for medical issues. It's more for traumatic life contexts which affect the nervous system. I'm sure Polyvagal Theory may have something to say about medical issues, but I don't know enough about that at all to comment.
I watched his video on Fawn response and I felt he doesn’t understand this really by himself, here I have same feeling ( I know these states very well unfortunately and can see by his description) I recommend to find another resource for knowledge on this topic
I love the fact that my symptoms only exist in the United States. In poor countries like Brazil, where I am, Im are not allowed to feel any of that. And I am talking about the relation of doctors about Dorsal Vagal Shutdown, this is something that doctors doesn't know it exists. I just have to get up and be productive. My two burnout crisis in 2022 and 23 were the start of all that, and... doctors and therapists also don't know what to do with burnout symptoms as well, now, imagine if they are capable understand Dorsal Vagal Shutdown. Just... don't be poor, guys. This makes Dorsal Vagal Shutdown even more harder to treat.
This is great info. Circumstances though can make these steps incredibly difficult, and the 'help' from *uk broken services etc, for me are making this worse.
I had to strip myself down to my core and there I found that I had a skewed understanding of love and trust; trust being the big issue. So now I’m learning to trust, the right way, but I don’t feel safe in that trust yet. I guess it takes time.
Been going into shut down stages since middle school. Actively in shut down. I can’t stand human voices. Can’t stand being in my house. Can’t stand being touched by people. I feel their sympathy toward my situation and it amplifies my feelings.
how long do you call normal and shutdown because I’ve been in shutdown for 15 years now I have lost all my 50s and I am now 65. I couldn’t cope with what was happening to my children that were young adults and an ex that put me in hospital and damaged me my story is deep. My son went to prison for killing somebody. My two girls died 11 years apart. I lost my father. I’ve had it this time last year I lost my oldest daughter who I love dearly, and I am afraid of the outside world I don’t like people coming to the house, I don’t like leaving my bedroom I don’t like being downstairs. I’ve lost all interest in the house I’ve become ill I’ve lost 11th stone I don’t know how to change.
Shutdown can go on for years and years. It’s intended to be brief on a biological, evolutionary level. But humans potentially stay stuck in shutdown for long periods of time.
As far as learning about it? Yeah, if you search on my channel you should find a few. The vagal brake strength depends on the strength of the safety state, so learning about that could be helpful, too.
Please do practice meditation it helped me lot to come out of soo bad shutdown,your problem could be lack of mindfulness,sir please promote meditation . I saved myself from dying because of it. Please try it once try to meditate even if you cant
Sadly, exiting shutdown is going to be much much more difficult. We need literal environmental and interpersonal safety. It’s not impossible, as people escape from horrible situations, requiring they exit shutdown. But it’s much more difficult.
Im at step 2 - how long will it take? I was in fivht or flight for years and one bad drug experience pushed me into dpdr depersonalizaton. Now im just numb and emotionally shallow
@@JustinLMFT I'm worried I'll never come back. And I don't have years and years to wait, this is completely debillitating. I just don't really know where to go from here
Does anxiety and major panic attacks cause this shutdown as well? That’s what I’m suffering from and I seen that shutdown causing dissociation/ Depersonalization/ Derealization.
Umm nope. My knowledge is based on a ridiculous amount of studying, implementing, and teaching. And my efforts are built on top of the insane efforts of many others. I have a free resource here to get you going - www.justinlmft.com/polyvagalintro
This video has been eye-opening! I want to read more about this. I think I've been in this state since a family member was murdered. I came out, and felt aggressive, and didn't understand why. I recently started medications because it was that bad. Do you think starting medications in the fight or flight state can be helpful?
My therapist doesn't believe in meds except, and unless it's the only option, and then for a short time, just yo get over the hump. Personally, I'd be concerned about my body starting to need them, and getting off certain is not easy! I do take herbal remedies for anxiety This may, or may not, be helpful for you. I just thought I'd share personal experience, and things I've learned. Best wishes
So coming out of it we’re supposed to feel flight or fight? It feels intense but feels like I can handle it more. I thought it was energy or emotions now that I feel my body more…but makes sense. Do you have a video on that step?
Yeah, fight would be the next step, then flight. But stillness could be the first thing one experiences from shutdown (which is safety plus shutdown). Do I have a video on it? Ehhhh not sure. Try a search on my channel? I also have learning hubs in the free members center on my site - justinlmft.com.
chronic dorsal vagal shutdown would be the underlying biology of what we call "depression." Depression is a label based on external factors and emotional experiences. Shutdown is the biology driving it.
Is there any connection with derealisation? Because that is what I have. Unfortunately one of the symptoms is lack of concentration so I cannot study whether there is a link myself. I am not kidding, I very much want to get out of whatever state it is I am in. So would like to know: is it worth it to study this podcast with the little energy I have available now?
I think shutdown is connected to depersonalization and derealization, yes. Disconnection from the self, others, and reality. I personally believe my podcast is worth the time and energy :) I hope you find it helpful.
@@JustinLMFT Thank you so much for taking the time to answer. Was getting sort of desperate looking for clues and not being able to think clearly. Fortunately I can see a psychiatrist th8s week as well, so maybe there is a light at the end of this tunnel.
I feel like I’ve been in shut down for many years- and relief never comes. I prefer to always be alone.
I wish you well.
I don't hi k he understands people so have karma with execution repetitive karma like one work they go to so they r overly priced things or wrongly sold stuff or stuff not easily found hence the sim lighting etc ..there is always a lapse in every study i aee
let nature in if no one else...
Same here.... But I'm very satisfied with life, I just love my own company mostly..
same. Any thing you found thats working?
I feel like being overweight itself is a trauma I am surviving and is causing more triggers again and again. I have been imprisoned and unable to be free for 30 years. It has definitely traumatized me. Along with the childhood with emotionally immature parents and my son's suicide at age 11 has created a perfect storm of devastation. I wish there was somewhere to go to do extensive work to help me. Right now it seems like I am finding answers only online
Sorry for your struggles! I hope you can find some peace at some point! 🙏
So sorry you've had to go through all of that. I hope you can find help, you deserve it friend.
I agree fully. I was happy ish and confident when I had control of my body and health. As a woman whose had kids and body has changed its traumatic. I is coupled w problems w family or relationships surrounding the mother during that change. One way or other you have a great point
OMG mama, I am truly sorry for such a devastating loss. How can people help someone in your situation?
@@mariahwaring4624 I think everyone needs to knowing about toxic Shame healing like a teacher like Tim Fletcher
0:00 - Introduction
1:43 - What is a shutdown?
3:24 - How do I come out of shutdown?
8:00 - Step 1a: Validate
9:10 - Step 1b: Normalize
9:40 - Step 1c: Give Permission
10:48 - Step 2: Find safety while in shutdown
17:58 - Step 3: Work on vegal break strength (ongoing)
19:36 - Step 4: Prepare for sympathetic energy return
Thank you
Not understand able
@@aartivedi6889 you should probably watch the video then
@@cfkay3727😂
I have all the symptoms except for the sleep. Instead I have chronic insomnia. I recently got laid off from my job and I am absolutely frozen😢.
Sensory overlead and a tendency to oversleep in my case. I'm very introverted and I love the night, cozy things and nature photography, but I also love color therapy with LED lamps that can change color.
I literally just turned on a led light purple. Very soothing is night time my favorite time as well as before sunrise. I’m learning about shutdown now.
Makes a lot of sense that when moving 'up' and out of the shutdown you come in the sympathic activity and a fight response. I actually was enranged often by something minor, then afterwards going back to feeling like an empty shell. I knew I had to channel this disproportionate energy somehow and found a good way to do that in pulling sprints on a bicycle and martial arts (kickboxing). Just to get the raw activation out. If you supress it, it just comes back at a different moment. After some time I was able to regulate my emotions again in a normal way and slowly recovered.
For the people who are just 'in it': it may seem you are broken beyond repair and something fundamenrally changed inside of you, but you can definitly go back to normal (albeit wiser). Just listen to your true instincts and find something which is a release and let the way of releasing also change over time if necessary.
I love you left a bit of helpful advice for those looking for it. Thank you!
Inspiring & generous - thsnk you. 🎉
This is starting to fall into place for me and makes sense to what iv been going through in my life for a long while 💞🙌🤔
❤❤❤
Jus was planning to join kickboxing
ive been in complete dorsal vagal shutdown for more than19 month😭i just cant get out of it ive been stuck so bad tried many anti depressants but nothing has worked so far..i would give my everything to get heal and feel connected again.ive been experiencing severe dissociation ,disconnection from my body,from my surrounding and my emotions😢😢😢
Thank you for this and don't listen to the haters about the ads.
Obviously, you need to put food on the table, and people can get YT premium if they don't want to deal with ads. Personally, I get a lot more value from YT premium than Netflix, Hulu, etc.
The sole fact you call ad complainers, haters..
How mature are you? 3 yrs old?
Absolutely! I subscribe to YT premium instead of movie streaming channels.
Ads and corporations who display them are meant to manipulate the viewer to buy their product, often using psychological principles to do so. 7:48 Those watching a video like this are vulnerable emotionally, and should not be shamed for being vulnerable. Congratulations to you that you are strong enough to not be impacted by ads….right?
I agree I have been a UA-cam premium member for about 3 years and it's definitely worth the price if you can afford it which $10 a month should be doable for most people who already own a phone.
💯%!! I pay $15/month USD. 🇺🇸 It’s worth it, as I use this subscription more than any other, and I love not having the commercials.
@@AngieF8
Mine was $10 a month for the longest time but recently jumped to $15. I remember something about being grandfathered in with the $10 price, but I guess they recently changed that. :/
This is helpful thank you! Going to look into the safety thing a bit more. I am now understanding that Ive (possibly background of perfectionism/criticism) taken a REALLY long time to validate, seek support in safe people or to stop hiding what I have been going through. Also alternating between sitting in shame/distraction or unhealthy coping mechanisms, and then when I have made any progress… tend to push it too quickly, reengage with super triggering things and/or shame myself for not being ‘better’ or being able to rebuild my entire life in a week. After 5 years of massive external trauma and life experiences that also brought up /re-visited for the first time as an adult… childhood trauma and abuse etc.
What I finally noticed this year (and this resonates with some of this content) that the MOST healing thing was to finally accept what was happening. To tell other people about it and not sugar coat it. To ask for help, as in, I literally can’t function and I need help. Also to be vocal about my struggles. Even to the point of if a checkout person at target asks me something I will straight up be like, I am going through a depressive episode right now so I need some help with the self checkout. Which I know sounds ridiculous but the shocking amount of even strangers, my landlord, neighbors, people I meet on the street that have stepped in with small or larger gestures that remind me that I am worth being here. That there are others going through similar things.. to stop ‘masking’ or to even say I can’t talk right now because I am isolating (even if I have energy to do so). And to debunk this bullshit persona I have put on my entire life as someone who has eveything ‘together’ is what has helped me actually start to FEEL again.
It is like the validation that I never had, and had never given myself. And I don’t care how extreme or how much of a weak person or ‘victim’ I sound like because I’m not- I’m someone who has been through a LOT. And I deserve support and love and help. That’s it. Through this process over the past year, I have started to feel more myself again. I am still up and down and needing to clean my environment and build more daily tasks and not just be at home not functioning then going out and being ‘normal’ .. I still have a road ahead of me. But it is amazing the level of internal shift that has occurred the more I stopped fighting and started embracing or even legit shamelessly ‘wearing’ this pain on the outside. I stopped trying. Ironically that has helped me believe again.
I resonate with that in full!
I'm currently experiencing shut down, & rainy/ ovrrcast days are THE WORST!!! It's like herding cats to get myself out the house & to my in-patient program, then difficult to stay engaged. Doesn't help that it's been pretty un-spring-like here in the midwest... 🤯
Solitude is soulful, and I find solice in it, which used to be the opposite for me.
Brilliant!! Thanks so much. I’m going to learn more about Total Access. 12 years on UA-cam, first time I’m looking at buying something advertised- consciously 😅
Thank you again 🙏
You’re welcome, hope to see you in there!
Excellent.
With regulated vagal and boundaries...then power has compassion and empathy....this is really good stuff. These past few years the stress was/is unrelenting!!!
Super helpful.
Makes so much sense to me.
5 weeks of intense outpatient therapy and nobody talked about these steps or feelings I felt I needed. Thank you soo much.
You're very welcome. :)
Your video popped up all of a sudden and I'm glad I watched your videos 😀 I cried the second you said there is a reason for being in a shutting down state 😳 It felt like I was validating the state I'm in ❤️
I've only watched the 1st minutes so far and I stared to cry. Thank you 😊
I just couldnt scroll further.....I really advice to find a flower essence therapist!
Flower essences Will help you to find the strength and peace within . It really works .I have done it. And now I am Bach flower therapist and help others.
There are so many flower therapists out there to help you.
Just have an open mind.
I have helped people being able to leave their comfort zone for what ever reason. And even people with HSP , autism....
Good luck . The only thing is to have an open mknd and let nature help.
If someone is on medication ,NO problem....❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Just watched a clip on Vagus nerve block injection by a doctor in Canada which is supposed to elevate parasympathetic nervous system.
Unnatural. An injection is not going to help create the needed safety in your nervous system, or increase your capacity to deal with uncomfortable sensations
I just had a private conversation on FB messenger where I said to my friend that I can barely lift my hand and it's almost like my body is shutting down. I swear they're spying on us...but I'm not a conspiracy theorist so I'll stop there. In reality I'm glad this showed on my feed. I have a doctor appt tomorrow and I couldn't figure out how to word this issue. Thank you.
You're welcome... and yeah, that's creepy. It's not a conspiracy. It's a thing.
Good luck with your doctors appointment. I'm looking to book one myself after living in shutdown for many years x
Yep, happening
Shutdown occurs when your soul understands your living in a profoundly sick society.
@@Ra66696 I definitely agree with you on a sick society.Makes you shut down.
True
@@Ra66696 period
Yes. I experienced this during Covid and Lockdown, as did many others.
OMG... I have been suffering from this since 2017 and all doctors and professors and tests etc think it (extreme heavy apathy also known as abulia or loss of will, say it's trauma related). But it sometimes gets slightly better for maybe a week or two or untill a slight unexpected thing comes along and I get back into that state . But not because I choose to (I think anyway) like a subconscious thing.
Could this be what I'm experiencing, I know my disability and symptoms but this description is so exact.i am taking stimulants for it, and they help a bit sometimes but I don't go outside, not even I'm my garden and I live near the ocean. Trauma was in 2013 heavy symptoms got worse since 2017 till now, and I'm trying or I have been. It sounds very familiar, this description.,
Wow, wow, wow… The most exact way of explaining the state I have been in for the last three years, changing from shutdown to fight every days or weeks, not knowing what to make out of it, what it means, where it is coming from. I thought it as a coming and going of depression that only I am experiencing. It is so relieving to hear it’s a common experience after trauma and how creating safety may help. I will treasure this and work on it. Thank you🙏🏻
Im totally in either Shut down of freeze do to Multiple external traumas . This may be an introverts way of dealing with unmanageable circumstances , unfortunately social anxiety is increased so meaningful social connections are very difficult at this time ! Thanks for your logical understanding of this topic ! Most Docs just put people on pharmaceuticals to treat their symptoms , Lame ,western , profit based medicine . 😅
Agree Agree Agree! Everything u said is 100% me! I literally get sooo annoyed when my love ones(like almost all of them) continue to harass me with, "u NEED to go see and talk to a doctor!" "U need to get put on some type of medicine!" "There are sooo many to choose from and I'm sure there is a right 1 that can be prescribed to you!!" Ughhhh
Thank you for the breakdown and these steps you've mentioned. Ive been in major shutdown mode for the last 7 months. I cant leave the house, check my mail, and even take a shower. Its never been this bad before. It doesnt help living in an apartment where people are everywhere. No privacy! 😢
Thank you Justin! Your unpacking of Polyvagal theory has been empowering and transformative. I’ve been in shutdown for several years. You make this accessible and easy to assimilate. I’m enjoying your book Stuck Not Broken 1, and looking forward to 2 & 3.
Recently, I went to your website and discovered the free lessons on Polyvagal Theory. I love the clarity and orderly layout of concepts and supported studies that guide us through layered learning. You make an otherwise difficult and complex theory into easy to digest and apply. Thank God I found you. I’m finally seeing the way out of this cave.❤
yay!
@@Sunshine-hv1eu I’m glad I read your comment as I too have been in a shutdown mode since late 2017. I’ve been diagnosed with depression and anxiety for many years have had ups and downs with both but with this shutdown it has been like nothing else I’ve ever dealt with and can’t seem to break out of it. Yes it scares me being stuck in this for so long, another thing I don’t know if it relates or not but I have a hard time crying even when my Mum died also with my brothers unexpected death and when my Father passed away. Initially with Dad and brother I cried very hard and was really sad but at the funeral home and through all of that I didn’t cry it made me feel like there was something wrong with me. I’m glad I found this video on UA-cam and feel excited to explore and get into my getting out of this.
Thank you Sunshine
Never had to use window shades in the Winter, usually have issues with not enough light. Shutdown in December, all windows covered. Working thru it.
I've been figuring this out myself through chakra work, definitely focusing on safety of my body has made a huge difference, and also shedding away excess energy, feeling the feels, what made me think my unsafetyness was vagal related was my overactivity, which I read somewhere was a thing with a shutdown vagal nerve. Seems like connecting with emotions through old hobbies like videogames has allowed my belly area to feel more warm with emotion and perhaps that's reactivating the nerve. Now I think I need to be aware of my belly area more and listen to the feels there instead of panicking and going into overdo overthink mode. I've been belly breathing which seems to be working at keeping me feel safe. Little by little I'm gaining power but fight mode comes easily and I might get lost in it but I think I hadn't built adequate safety. This content speaks to me, Thank you very much.
This process takes great patience but I encourage everyone it this, you can find yourself again!
For me it is because of lose, and the fact that being and experiencing life as a 'father' had come to the end of its journey. Everything else was always so easy to fight through. Not this tho
Love u baby girl... I still look for u everywhere.
I'm a Dad. Couldn't imagine. I hope you find my work a helpful resource for yourself.
I have been literally feeling this from last 1 year. The time when I had to make my career decision I went through this phase due to overthinking. Since then my life has went upside down.
Watching this now it makes a lot of sense why I've been feeling depressed for so long.
Im so scared my nervous system is shot to pieces to the point of getting hospitalised….. I can’t speak I stutter I shake all over 😢
If I could find a safety state I would use it. Already spend an insane amount of time in bed or falling asleep in a recliner watch ing tv trying to visualize pray meditate etc…
This was so helpful, thank you!
20 yrs of suffering this and not knowing what it was until now - what could i possibly say to you for giving me this?
A "thank you" is more than enough if you must say something; and a happy and pre-emptive "You're very welcome" in return. Glad it's helpful for you!
Thanks for sharing Justin! I've been on a long healing journey. It wasn't until 11 months at a Zen Monastery that I had one of my first experiences coming out of the shutdown state. My mindfulness practice mixed with somatic practices has really helped me. It's been intense bringing things up and my body is very tired. Thanks for sharing more tools with me.
You're welcome!
This is a beautiful breakdown! Thank you ❤
Thank you so much for this. I can say that these these tactics truly work. I've came out of it before basically doing the same things. It truly works. Now navigating through it again.
This is awesome, I love the way you keep the explanations short but tell us about your more indepth videos for deeper exploration, & the way you explained it so people can easily understand it & themselves alot easier & better, you are one of the most genuine teachers/guides ive seen & heard, love how you dont continuously promote yourself during the teachings as many others do. BRAVO to you Sir 👏 🙌 ❤
Wow thank you!
“Allow the shutdown mindfully“
That’s what I really need to do.
Not easy, but possible. Good luck!
I wish I could sleep too much or sleep at all. I have chronic pain and wake up after 2 hours.
Amazing podcast. Thank you so much. There's a lot of information about understanding our states, but not so much about how to come out of it. Your video is extremely helpful. Thank you so much.
ua-cam.com/video/LlEHULEfYhs/v-deo.html
_chronic shutdown is overwhelming but it is what it is fam, thanks for the vid 👋_
You're absolutely welcome
I just came across your page and i subscribed as soon as I finished this video. Such incredible information and I feel like I got so much out of this. Can’t wait to watch more ❤
Welcome aboard!
Fabulous work and thank you so much🙏
My pleasure 😊
I havent been able to take care of myself, work, clean, organize, or any other human things, for years. I dont generally accept that its ok. I generally feel that im lucky i have someone to take care of me or i wud be on the streets. Which makes me feel failure qnd shame, but to a much less degree than i was when i was fully shut down all the way when i didnt leave bed for the four years. If i had a lot of money i know i cud get the help i need to really deal with this. I feel like i need to be at the beach and alone and massage and somatic exercise and extensive therapy. But i guess i can tey to figure this out for ten years lol ugh
wow! thank you so much for sharing your knowledge in a sense that seems like you've experienced it. I've read about polyvagal theory and tried some exercises. Your detailed, organized, experiential explanation is so helpful, as I navigate burnout. I really appreciate it!
you're very welcome
I'm curious to know what you think of the Stellate Ganglion Block procedure. It resets the nervous system to a pretrauma state.
Me too. Need to get info on this
I really don't find safety from observing my envrionment, guess this is also from having experiences with quite severe derealizatiopn episodes which frightened the sh*t out of me. But i'll try to safely reconnect with my surroundings as good as possible.
Same - been in dp/dr and bedridden with shutdown for 18 months. Nothing really reconnects me yet, external or internal.. will get there tho 💪🏼🕊️
Found your video tight now + i was listening to it totally focussed. Congratulations!! Very good explanations, i love it and i hope it can help me and my shutdown. Lovely greetings from switzerland 🤩
Welcome aboard!
Stuck not broken. Smart
Very good stuff here!
Thanks for listening :)
Sooo deep rich content. Thank you for your being and share all those very important informations❤❤❤❤
You are so welcome
So many different stores!!! A good thing to do,that Will always help...
Find a Bach flower essence therapist or some other flower therapist, there are so many clever ones in Canada and the rest of USA and other countries.
You Will just do a test and you Will get the personal blen and can really start your healing Journey.
I promise that it will make a difference for the person trying it.
It works on cats,dogs,horses,humans,plants.... I have helped people with anxiety, depression,fear and suicidal thoughts and everyone are now over worst threshhold and can begin with other helpful holistic treatments. And flower essences can be taken even If someone is on medication.....
My motto is: it does not matter what you do as long as it helps!!
Bless you all, good luck!
The light in a very dark place. Thanks.
You bet
Very interesting.
Were you deliberately facing a different camera?
I would love to see this video with your face facing the audience!
This information is invaluable and I will be watching this video more than once.
I was looking at my notes. I used to just record this podcast on video without taking it seriously. I've started being more deliberate about my camera facing in all newer videos. :)
Why would this bother you? Personally, I don't need a podcaster/therapist staring at me ... especially when they're dealing with people such as myself who's in shutdown.
I'm surprised too, but it's a question/comment that others have left too. I assume people feel more connection with me when I look at the camera. Makes sense.
@@EarthWindFireable I think maybe it makes the experience a little more personal? Idk, just an opinion. It doesn't bother me.
I prefer some eye contact with the camera. More personal and connected.
I found the video too long to take anything in,would love shorts steps on how to get myself out of the shutdown as my brain wont sit still long enough to listen to the whole video everytime without wandering off somewhere, already watched the video on what shutdown is so that could have been left out as i think everyone has come here from that,badly need to get myself back to life
Woah how validating- thank you for your work, it could and should be taught to everyone
This was great thank you so much
Glad you enjoyed it!
This was very helpful, thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Since early childhood. Can u put this is easier to process format? My cognitives
Ooh the pool idea is great. Stimulates the lymph!
Very technical very pragmatic congratulations Seeya
A great big thank you to you Justin and your channel! I appreciate the knowledge it will help me tremendously with having words to explain my thoughts when I meet with my new medical providers. I am now a new subscriber and I have many people that your information will be helpful. Thank you for being you! 🙏🙏💯
Thanks for the lovely comment and for subscribing!
I’m new to all this. But I believe Covid shut me down 2 years ago. I now have Gastoparisis because of it. Not just the stress of it but catching the virus itself. And now got Covid 3 weeks ago and have a rapid heartbeat. Doc says she sees that a lot. So for whatever reason, according to the cardiologist, my body’s autonomic or parasympathetic nervous is out of whack and things aren’t working correctly. Do these things u teach apply to helping my body heal from these issues?
I didn't create my system for medical issues. It's more for traumatic life contexts which affect the nervous system. I'm sure Polyvagal Theory may have something to say about medical issues, but I don't know enough about that at all to comment.
I watched his video on Fawn response and I felt he doesn’t understand this really by himself, here I have same feeling ( I know these states very well unfortunately and can see by his description)
I recommend to find another resource for knowledge on this topic
I love the fact that my symptoms only exist in the United States. In poor countries like Brazil, where I am, Im are not allowed to feel any of that. And I am talking about the relation of doctors about Dorsal Vagal Shutdown, this is something that doctors doesn't know it exists. I just have to get up and be productive. My two burnout crisis in 2022 and 23 were the start of all that, and... doctors and therapists also don't know what to do with burnout symptoms as well, now, imagine if they are capable understand Dorsal Vagal Shutdown. Just... don't be poor, guys. This makes Dorsal Vagal Shutdown even more harder to treat.
Thank you .
You are welcome!
Great! How do you get out of fight flight and freeze? Thanks!
Thank you so much!❤️🙏
You’re super welcome!
Stella ganglion block upload por favor
Whoa, 30 seconds into it and you're talking my language 😳 Sounds like I'd better listen up!
Hope it was helpful :)
long story short my vagal nerve has been damaged twice. i need serious help.
Doctors need to learn how the vagues nervous responses to the whole nervous system. Ty
This is great info. Circumstances though can make these steps incredibly difficult, and the 'help' from *uk broken services etc, for me are making this worse.
Is yoga nidra beneficial for this?
I had to strip myself down to my core and there I found that I had a skewed understanding of love and trust; trust being the big issue.
So now I’m learning to trust, the right way, but I don’t feel safe in that trust yet. I guess it takes time.
Thank soooo much
is there a group where we can work on this plague? I need a workshop but doing shit in groups seems impossible for me. Idk what to do
Dang I used the word shutdown and this video magically appeared.
Been going into shut down stages since middle school. Actively in shut down. I can’t stand human voices. Can’t stand being in my house. Can’t stand being touched by people. I feel their sympathy toward my situation and it amplifies my feelings.
I’m so sorry, I know how you feel. Try deep breathing and being alone for awhile
how long do you call normal and shutdown because I’ve been in shutdown for 15 years now I have lost all my 50s and I am now 65. I couldn’t cope with what was happening to my children that were young adults and an ex that put me in hospital and damaged me my story is deep. My son went to prison for killing somebody. My two girls died 11 years apart. I lost my father. I’ve had it this time last year I lost my oldest daughter who I love dearly, and I am afraid of the outside world I don’t like people coming to the house, I don’t like leaving my bedroom I don’t like being downstairs. I’ve lost all interest in the house I’ve become ill I’ve lost 11th stone I don’t know how to change.
Shutdown can go on for years and years. It’s intended to be brief on a biological, evolutionary level. But humans potentially stay stuck in shutdown for long periods of time.
My heart goes out to you. 😢
Does your safety anchors course cover boundaries, vulnerability etc?
Not specifically, no. It's all about self-regulation. Effective self-regulation may lead to healthier boundaries and vulnerability.
What techniques to use?
when i click on the free ebook it just says "forbiden"
Here you go - assets-v2.circle.so/ajxsuv5xiun9rzrgplmab4jl5jtz
Are there any explicit videos on the vagal brake strenght from you?
As far as learning about it? Yeah, if you search on my channel you should find a few. The vagal brake strength depends on the strength of the safety state, so learning about that could be helpful, too.
Helpful ❤❤❤❤❤
Glad it was helpful!
Please do practice meditation it helped me lot to come out of soo bad shutdown,your problem could be lack of mindfulness,sir please promote meditation . I saved myself from dying because of it. Please try it once try to meditate even if you cant
what if you can never feel/ be safe ?
Start with the external environment using the senses.
What if you’re in and unsafe environment? And you can’t leave?
Sadly, exiting shutdown is going to be much much more difficult. We need literal environmental and interpersonal safety. It’s not impossible, as people escape from horrible situations, requiring they exit shutdown. But it’s much more difficult.
Im at step 2 - how long will it take? I was in fivht or flight for years and one bad drug experience pushed me into dpdr depersonalizaton. Now im just numb and emotionally shallow
It takes potentially a long time to come out of shutdown. Typically it’s a build up of small victories.
@@JustinLMFT I'm worried I'll never come back. And I don't have years and years to wait, this is completely debillitating. I just don't really know where to go from here
@@kristenlangdon4229how are you doing now?
Does anxiety and major panic attacks cause this shutdown as well? That’s what I’m suffering from and I seen that shutdown causing dissociation/ Depersonalization/ Derealization.
Anxiety comes from flight activation. Panic attacks come from freeze (which is flight + shutdown).
yeh freeze shutdown and dissociation dpdr are connected i believe. Ive been going through this for 2 years
@@miked5487same 18 months very badly… but we get there in the end 💪🏼
How do I find the other episodes on this subject 101 through 109
Here you go - player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0
Dude, did you just make that up on the fly? Never heard these terms before. Will try to read into it.
Umm nope. My knowledge is based on a ridiculous amount of studying, implementing, and teaching. And my efforts are built on top of the insane efforts of many others. I have a free resource here to get you going - www.justinlmft.com/polyvagalintro
This video has been eye-opening! I want to read more about this. I think I've been in this state since a family member was murdered. I came out, and felt aggressive, and didn't understand why. I recently started medications because it was that bad. Do you think starting medications in the fight or flight state can be helpful?
I'm glad the information is helpful. I can't comment on meds; that's a psychiatric thing.
My therapist doesn't believe in meds except, and unless it's the only option, and then for a short time, just yo get over the hump.
Personally, I'd be concerned about my body starting to need them, and getting off certain is not easy!
I do take herbal remedies for anxiety
This may, or may not, be helpful for you. I just thought I'd share personal experience, and things I've learned.
Best wishes
I like your therapist view if meds. Wish more felt that way
except your videos are not labelled by number so it is hard to find which ones are you referring to with 101 to 109.
there's a link in the description to the series! :)
I'm in india. Is it possible for me to consult you sir?
You can email me here - justin@justinlmft.com
Is shutdown and feeze the same thing?
Nope - ua-cam.com/video/kQZLWybFbrA/v-deo.html
So coming out of it we’re supposed to feel flight or fight? It feels intense but feels like I can handle it more. I thought it was energy or emotions now that I feel my body more…but makes sense. Do you have a video on that step?
Yeah, fight would be the next step, then flight. But stillness could be the first thing one experiences from shutdown (which is safety plus shutdown). Do I have a video on it? Ehhhh not sure. Try a search on my channel? I also have learning hubs in the free members center on my site - justinlmft.com.
Is depression a symptom of shut down or is shut down = depression?
chronic dorsal vagal shutdown would be the underlying biology of what we call "depression." Depression is a label based on external factors and emotional experiences. Shutdown is the biology driving it.
@@JustinLMFT thank you😊
How to validate it? Its like ???
Validation means acknoweldgment. Recognizing that something is real instead of ignoring it.
"I feel sad" is validation.
Is there any connection with derealisation? Because that is what I have. Unfortunately one of the symptoms is lack of concentration so I cannot study whether there is a link myself. I am not kidding, I very much want to get out of whatever state it is I am in. So would like to know: is it worth it to study this podcast with the little energy I have available now?
I think shutdown is connected to depersonalization and derealization, yes. Disconnection from the self, others, and reality. I personally believe my podcast is worth the time and energy :) I hope you find it helpful.
@@JustinLMFT Thank you so much for taking the time to answer. Was getting sort of desperate looking for clues and not being able to think clearly. Fortunately I can see a psychiatrist th8s week as well, so maybe there is a light at the end of this tunnel.
What is this? Is that as in "not motivated " ?
Not sure what you're referring to, but shutdown feels like a lack of motivation amongst other things.
I’m at work so obviously I haven’t shut down