#33 The Hidden Trauma of Caregiving

Aug 5

Your Body Knows: Understanding the Nervous System with Dr. Natalie

Most of us were never handed an owner's manual for our bodies, but Dr. Natalie says one exists. In this episode, she breaks down the polyvagal nervous system theory in plain language, helping listeners understand why they feel what they feel, and what to do about it.

"If you wanna feel better, be around your people and you'll start to feel better. That's just hard science there."

Mode 1: Ventral Vagal — Safe & Connected

This is the top of the ladder. You feel grounded, secure, and connected to your people. It's where we all want to live — and the key to getting back here? Human connection. Oxytocin, the bonding hormone, outranks every other feel-good chemical in your body.

Mode 2: Sympathetic Nervous System — Fight, Flight, Fawn, or Fall

Your body senses danger, real or perceived, and mobilizes. You fight, flee, people-please (fawn), or zone out (fall). American hustle culture keeps many of us stuck here, constantly scanning for the next threat. Chronic stress means chronic fight-or-flight.

Mode 3: Dorsal Vagal — Dissociation

When fight-or-flight runs too long, the body gives up mobilizing and shuts down. You go offline. You're physically present but mentally checked out. New memories don't form, brain fog sets in and the only way back up is through fight-or-flight again, not around it.

Resources:

Haley Brunelle

#33 The Hidden Trauma of Caregiving

"If you wanna feel better, be around your people and you'll start to feel better. That's just hard science there."

#32 Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Least Restrictive Model