Trent here. It's been a while since I have written anything like this. I want this blog to add value to the people we support and be a place where I can share. and by we, I will hopefully get some others from the team who are interested in posting something to write sometimes.
I thought I might start with one of my favourite things to know and to teach people. It’s the Ladder, and based on the work of Stephen Porges, a therapist who has now passed. I find ‘The Ladder’ metaphor is a wonderful way to connect people’s understanding of so many complex emotional changes.
I’ll get straight into it, have you wondered why you sometimes feel calm and collected, while other times you're a bundle of nerves? It might have something to do with your nervous system and a fascinating theory called the Polyvagal Theory. Imagine your nervous system as a ladder with three rungs. Each rung represents a different state of being:
The Top Rung: Social Engagement When we're on the top rung, we feel safe, connected, and calm. Our heart rate is steady, our breathing is slow, and we're able to think clearly. This is where we want to be most of the time.person smiling, relaxed, and engaged in a conversation
The Middle Rung: Fight or Flight If we perceive a threat, our nervous system kicks into gear and we move to the middle rung. Our heart races, our breathing quickens, and we might feel anxious, angry, or scared. This is our body's way of preparing us to fight or flee from danger.person with their fists clenched, looking angry or fearful
The Bottom Rung: Freeze or Shutdown If the threat persists or we feel overwhelmed, we might drop to the bottom rung. Here, we may feel numb, disconnected, or frozen. It's our body's way of conserving energy and protecting itself from further harm.
The key is to understand that our nervous system is constantly shifting between these states. By recognising these patterns, we can learn to manage our emotions and bring ourselves back to a state of calm.
So, next time you feel stressed or overwhelmed, remember the ladder. Take a deep breath, ground yourself, and gently climb back up to the top rung. I will come back to the ladder many times in the Harpers blog. It helps simplify complex situations, and theories. It also allows a simple way to communicate a state of regulation. For example, if someone is stuck in the middle (in flight) what might we call this? (I’ll pop my answer in the next Blog) aiming for these weekly. Fingers crossed.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you’ll be back. If you like this blog please subscribe to my mailing list!
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