Polyvagal Theory Resources & Information

Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, can provide a good lens from which to view our own nervous system responses to our environment and internal experiences. The theory suggests there is a biological order to our different nervous system states: fight/flight/mobilization, freeze/shutdown/immobilization, and safety & connection. Our nervous systems move through these different states daily, depending on how safe we are feeling in the moment. Traumatic experiences can impact how quickly and effectively our nervous systems shift back to safety & connection, causing us to get stuck in either mobilization (anxiety) or immobilization (depression). I have put together a list of resources here that I hope are useful to you.

*Please note that these resources do not constitute medical or mental healthcare. Please use at your own discretion.