Understanding "Story Follows State": How Your Nervous System Affects Your Thoughts

This week, I had an insightful conversation with some of my colleagues about a common phrase used in the context of nervous system regulation: "Story Follows State." It got me thinking about how crucial this concept is, and I wanted to share its importance with you. Deb Dana, a leading expert in the application of Polyvagal Theory, beautifully encapsulates this idea. She emphasizes how our thoughts and the stories we tell ourselves are heavily influenced by the state of our nervous system.

You can be in the same situation, but your thoughts will change depending on your nervous system state. There are many states, but for today, we'll focus on a few key ones: Sympathetic Fight Response, Sympathetic Flight Response, and Shutdown Response.

Sympathetic Fight Response

In this nervous system state, your body is in a heightened state of arousal, preparing for a confrontation. You might think, “This person is an asshole. How could they forget our plans?” You feel angry, defensive, and ready to argue back aggressively.

Sympathetic Flight Response

Your body is still in a state of arousal but is preparing to avoid or escape the situation. You want to create distance. You might think, “I need to get out of here. This is too much.” You feel anxious, overwhelmed, and want to leave the situation to find safety.

Shutdown Response

Your body is in a state of conservation, shutting down to protect itself from the stress. You might think, “I don’t care anymore. Nothing I say will matter.” You feel numb, disconnected, and withdrawn from the situation.

These examples illustrate that understanding these responses can help you recognize that your perception of a situation can be heavily influenced by your nervous system state, not just the situation itself.

If you’re interested in learning more about your nervous system, I have a free downloadable e-book on navigating your nervous system. You can download it by clicking the link below:

Download Free E-Book

If you have any questions or just want to share your thoughts, you can send me an email at [email protected]. I would love to hear from you!

With gratitude,

Jordan