5 Signs You Have a Dysregulated Nervous System (and What to Do About It)

Do you ever feel like your body is constantly on edge—like you’re wired and tired all at once?

Or maybe you’ve felt numb and disconnected, unable to relax even when things are quiet.

That may be your nervous system trying to tell you something: you’re not broken… you’re dysregulated

What Is Nervous System Dysregulation?

When your nervous system is dysregulated, it stays stuck in a state of survival—either hyperarousal (fight/flight) or shutdown (freeze/fawn).
This can be the result of chronic stress, trauma, or even long-term over-functioning.

It affects your emotions, relationships, sleep, decision-making, and overall wellbeing.

5 Common Signs of Dysregulation

1. Overreacting to small stressors (or not reacting at all)

2. Feeling stuck in anxiety, fear, or overwhelm

3. Emotional numbness or detachment from your body

4. Fatigue or exhaustion without explanation

5. Trouble sleeping, breathing deeply, or “coming down” after stress

   What Can You Do About It?

   You can heal your nervous system—and it doesn’t have to take years.

   In therapy, we use tools like:

   • Somatic practices (breathwork, grounding, movement)

   • EMDR to reprocess traumatic memories

   • Faith-based reflection to re-anchor in safety and truth

   • Polyvagal-informed strategies to shift you out of survival mode

   Your body is not your enemy. It just needs help learning to feel safe again.

   👉 If you’re tired of living in survival mode and ready to feel grounded, connected, and whole, I’d love to support your healing.
   Book a free consult

   FAQ Section

   Q: Can nervous system work help with anxiety and trauma?
   A: Yes! Many anxiety and trauma symptoms are rooted in nervous system dysregulation. Healing the body often brings lasting emotional relief.

   Q: Can Christians do somatic therapy?
   A: Definitely. I believe God designed our bodies with wisdom and healing potential. Somatic therapy helps you reconnect with the body He created for good.

Sarah Harris, LCSW, is a Christian trauma therapist offering EMDR, somatic therapy, and intensives for women ready for deep healing and lasting change.