As we’ve discussed before, the second principle of trauma-informed ministry is to create environments that are the opposite of trauma.
One impact of trauma is the dysregulation of people’s nervous systems. This dysregulation can be especially triggered when something in a person’s environment reminds them of the trauma they have faced.
So, one part of being trauma-informed is recognizing this dysregulation and having tools in your toolbox to help people regain regulation. This article will provide you with that knowledge and those tools.
Signs of Dysregulation
When someone is dysregulated, they may show the following signs:
- Intense emotional reactions, out of proportion to the event that triggered them
- Mood swings
- Impulsivity and difficulty controlling behavior
- Difficulties relating to others
- A racing heart, sweating, and fast breathing
- Difficulty focusing
- Emotional numbness and detachment
- Difficulty relaxing
Trauma overall can dysregulate a person’s nervous system because it overwhelms a person’s ability to cope with stress.
When a person is reminded of their trauma through sights, smells, noises, and circumstances in their environment, this makes a person feel as if the trauma is happening again, overwhelming their nervous system and causing dysregulation.
As trauma-informed ministers, we seek to avoid these reminders through the design of our ministries. However, despite our best efforts, these reminders and the potential dysregulation they can cause can still occur. So, what do we do if someone becomes dysregulated?
How to Co-Regulate
Co-regulation involves a person with a calm nervous system helping another person’s nervous system become calm.
A foundational thing that you must do, then, is to remain calm. Strive to know what helps you to calm down, whether it be deep breathing, a certain prayer, etc., and use those strategies to help you remain calm as you co-regulate with someone.
Here are some other strategies you can use when helping people co-regulate:
- Practice active listening through observing someone’s emotions, showing empathy, reflecting back what they are saying, nodding, and maintaining eye contact.
- Validate their emotions
- Breathe and pray together
- Problem-solve together. What do they need right now to remain calm? Do they need to step out, take a walk, or go to a quiet space? What adjustments might you need to make to the environment to help prevent dysregulation in the future?
- Sit with them in silence as a calming presence.
Conclusion
Someone you minister to becoming dysregulated can be jarring. Through your calming presence, you can help them regulate again, a gift that can be so helpful on the healing journey.