Many people struggle to understand why they sometimes feel emotionally overwhelmed, anxious, angry, numb, disconnected, or completely shut down seemingly out of nowhere. Often, these reactions are linked to the nervous system and the way our bodies respond to stress, shame, trauma, and emotional triggers.
The Window of Tolerance is a psychological model that helps explain how the nervous system moves between states of regulation and survival. When we are within our window of tolerance, we are usually able to think clearly, stay emotionally present, and respond calmly. But when stress or triggers become too much, the nervous system can move into survival responses such as panic, overwhelm, anger, shutdown, numbness, dissociation, or people pleasing.
For many LGBTQ+ people, experiences of rejection, bullying, shame, trauma, concealment, or hypervigilance can narrow the nervous system’s window of tolerance over time, making emotional regulation more difficult and leaving people feeling constantly on edge or emotionally exhausted.
In this video, I explore the Window of Tolerance, emotional regulation, trauma responses, the nervous system, and the difference between hyperarousal and hypoarousal. I also talk about how therapy and self awareness can help people recognise triggers, regulate emotional overwhelm, and gradually widen their window of tolerance again. If you often struggle with anxiety, emotional overwhelm, shutdown, or feeling stuck in survival mode, I’d really encourage you to watch the video.
If any of this resonates with you and you’d like support exploring it further, I offer LGBTQ+ affirming therapy both online and in person from my practice in Manchester city centre. You’re welcome to get in touch to arrange a free 15 minute introductory call.
