Nervous System Dysregulation: The Root of Your Anxiety

At the root of anxiety is a dysregulated Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). Your ANS is the intricate network of nerves that govern your body's unconscious responses (such as breathing, heart rate and digestion) and is integral to your survival. The ANS has two main branches: the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS). Generally speaking, the SNS increases arousal within the system (like the gas pedal in the car) and the PNS decreases arousal within the system (like the brake in the car).

In a well-regulated nervous system, these two branches work together in harmony, turning on and off as appropriate, which allows for a smooth ebb and flow of arousal (and optimal functioning). There is flow, flexibility and balance. We are able to sleep peacefully and wake-up in the morning feeling rested and refreshed. We have the energy to get through the day. We can think clearly, are focused and can be productive. We are able to come down from stress naturally. We are able to engage in meaningful relationships that provide safety and nurturance, and we are physically healthy.

In a dysregulated nervous system, there is an imbalance between the two branches (SNS & PNS). Rather than there being a smooth ebb and flow of arousal, we get stuck with arousal that is too high (hyperarousal), too low (hyperarousal) or a combination of the two. For those of us with chronic anxiety, the SNS becomes dominant and we get stuck in a state of Fight-or-Flight or ‘hyperarousal’. This hyperarousal and dysregulation manifests as heightened anxiety, with physical sensations such as a racing heart, shallow breathing, and muscle tension, often accompanying racing thoughts and worry.

Getting to the Root to Heal for Real

In order to experience true healing, we need to address the root of anxiety and the dysregulation in the nervous system. While the roots of anxiety may run deep, the good news here is that healing at a deep level is absolutely possible thanks to ‘neuroplasticity’. Neuroplasticity means that our nervous system is amenable to change and growth - with time, practice and the right approach, it can actually be rewired and regulation can be restored. The result? That chronic anxiety begins to fade away.

Many traditional approaches to treating anxiety are cognitive in nature, meaning they work to address the cognitive (thought-based) symptoms of anxiety. And while cognitive work is beneficial in the healing process, it doesn’t get to the root of anxiety, which is dysregulation in the system. In other words, cognitive approaches provide more symptom management (as opposed to true healing), making it more of a band-aid approach. This is often why talk therapy often doesn’t produce the anxiety relief that people are hoping for. True healing requires that we also work at the level of the nervous system, with somatic (body-based) approaches.

And this is exactly what "Becoming Free From Anxiety" has been designed to help you do. “Becoming Free From Anxiety” is a comprehensive program that guides you every step of the way in this process of nervous system healing. Through a blend of somatic and cognitive practices, you'll learn to rewire your nervous system, build more regulation and resiliency, and reclaim your life from anxiety's hold. Click here to learn more.