Does Global High Intensity Activation explain your symptoms?

Let's talk about what even is Global High Intensity Activation (GHIA), how it looks and shows up in our lives, what causes it, and what we can do to address it.

GHIA is a global or systemic upregulation of the nervous system. That basically means you're wired or high strung most of the time and operate at a super high level most of the time.

When it's extreme, it's super disruptive to our lives. It feels like walking around without skin, sensitive and vulnerable. Everything hurts.

In not-so-extreme situations, it can look fairly functional, especially since some of these characteristics are highly rewarded in our society. Our culture celebrates being busy and high achieving and constantly being stimulated and goal-focused.

When you have GHIA, going fast feels good. Slowing down feels so boring and your system will fight you.

You feel very easily triggered, and triggers can be unclear. 

You may take an already overwhelming situation and make it worse in order to send your body into freeze just so you can finally rest.

You might relate to the statement, "The last time I relaxed, something bad happened, so I'll make sure that never happens again."

In your body, you might notice that taking deep breaths can feel forced.

Feeling a constant buzzing or humming

Symptoms can show up as respiratory and gut issues, environmental sensitivities, migraines, and pain.

Addictions are common.

What can cause it?

• Traumatic events that overwhelm the entire nervous system
• Birth trauma and other major events as young child
• Dangerous living situations, especially as a kid, including abuse, neglect, bullying, oppression, war

So what do we do about it?

This is not a quick fix!

One of the first priorities is noticing the subtleties of activating and deactivating in the nervous system. So we learn to read the body as it get's more and more up-charged and stressed. And then we also notice what it feels like to relax or slow down just a little bit. 

Need to learn to be curious explore, and lay down the goal checklist.

Practice interrupting the anxiety spiral.

It's worth saying again: This is not a quick fix!

Does this sound familiar or are you curious how this might affect your symptoms?

Give us a call or shoot us an email and we'd be happy to discuss options for your current season of life and goals.

615-933-9347

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