Why Am I So Tired? Understanding Fatigue After Narcissistic Abuse
This is not you being lazy, this is not you being weak, this is a normal response, and I really want you to hear those words.
Feeling drained and struggling to get out of bed? Caroline Strawson gets it. In this episode of 'The Narcissistic Abuse & Trauma Recovery Podcast', Caroline dives into why survivors of narcissistic abuse often feel overwhelmingly fatigued. She breaks down Polyvagal Theory, explaining how our nervous system responds to trauma and why this isn't about being lazy or weak. Caroline uses the ladder analogy to describe how our brain moves through different states of threat perception.
When we experience trauma, our brain might push us into a 'freeze' state, leading to that heavy, exhausted feeling. This isn't just about recent experiences; childhood trauma can still play a role in our adult lives, making us feel perpetually tired. To help listeners, Caroline introduces therapies like Brainspotting and EMDR, which can access and heal those deep-seated traumas.
By understanding these concepts, survivors can start to see their fatigue as a natural response to trauma rather than a personal failing. If you're battling constant exhaustion, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you on your healing journey. Tune in to understand how your body is trying to protect you and learn ways to move from fatigue to flourishing.