Stuck in Shutdown A Guide to Recognizing and Helping Loved Ones

Justin Sunseri explains the concept of dorsal vagal shutdown, a state of immobilization and resource conservation in the face of life threats. He outlines how this shutdown affects emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and connections with others, making it difficult for individuals to function normally. Justin provides insights on recognizing shutdown in loved ones, emphasizing the importance of compassion, validation, and meaningful connection. He offers practical steps for supporting someone in shutdown, including validating their experience, normalizing their response, and connecting with them without adding pressure. The episode concludes with a parenting example illustrating effective ways to help a loved one move out of shutdown. 00:00 Stuck in Shutdown: A Guide to Recognizing and Helping Loved Ones (SNB 248) 01:17 What is Dorsal Vagal Shutdown? 03:14 Shutdown and Isolation 04:54 Demeanor and Body Posture of Shutdown 07:47 Vocal Changes in Shutdown 09:08 Thinking and Shutdown 11:05 Emotions and Shutdown 12:06 Shutdown and Masking 13:07 Validating Your Loved One's Shutdown 14:23 Normalize Your Loved One's Shutdown 15:29 Let your Loved One be in Shutdown 16:37 Connect With Your Loved One in Shutdown 17:55 Example of Parents Helping Their Adult Child in Shutdown 22:29 Outro and Reflections for You 23:32 Learn More About Shutdown With this Playlist 🔸 Shutdown Experiences Playlist - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0wCusCOxhNUTWUAnJke_hpmNEEQ0atZZ 📱 Ready to practice self-regulation? Try the Stuck Not Broken app for free - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/app?src=podcast 🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? Recognize where you're at and join the free community here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=stuck-page 🤩 Ready to go deeper? Explore resources at every price point here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/how-i-can-help-you?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=how-i-can-help 🙂 Don't know the Polyvagal Theory? Catch up here - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0 This and other content produced by Justin Sunseri (“JustinLMFT”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy. Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship. Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms. Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147). Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)