Redheaded Jill

Some definitions of dorsal vagal shutdown from a quick google search…

Dorsal vagal shutdown is a type of stress response initiated by the parasympathetic nervous system resulting in reduced heart rate, blood pressure dip, sometimes culminating into fainting episodes.

Dorsal vagal shutdown is a physiological response to stress where the body conserves energy and resources by slowing down its functions, leading to symptoms such as numbness, disconnection, and low energy.

Dorsal Vagal Shutdown is a protective response the body uses to conserve energy when we feel overwhelmed and unable to cope with a stressful experience. It’s a physiological response that helps us survive in times of danger by diverting energy away from our higher level thinking, helping us stay in fight, flight, or freeze mode. It’s like our body’s own ‘off switch’, giving us the chance to take a break from the stress and take a moment to relax. 

Essentially it’s a defense mechanism. The problem is we can get STUCK there.