MeSsy with Christina Applegate & Jamie Lynn Sigler How to Feel Safe in Your Body with Deb Dana
19 snips
Feb 4, 2025 
Deb Dana, a clinician and expert in polyvagal theory, shares her insights on trauma and the nervous system. She discusses how early experiences shape our emotional responses and the importance of feeling safe in our bodies. The conversation dives into the healing potential of self-awareness and connection, while navigating chronic illness and trauma. Deb also emphasizes recognizing emotional states and utilizing coping mechanisms, as well as the value of community support in fostering resilience and emotional well-being.
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Trauma Is Nervous System Response
- Trauma is a nervous system response, not just what happened to us.
- Trauma occurs when the nervous system gets stuck in survival states: fight-flight or dorsal collapse.
Ventral Is Our Biological Home
- Everyone has a ventral "home" state linked to regulation and safety.
- We also have survival "home away from home" states, sympathetic or dorsal, where we tend to reside more.
Nervous System Chooses Survival States
- Our nervous system chooses survival states biologically, not by conscious choice.
- Anger, anxiety, or despair reflect the system's attempts to protect and survive.