Misunderstood, Overwhelmed, and “Stuck in Survival Mode”? Let’s Talk About Nervous System Dysregulation
Discover the real signs of nervous system dysregulation, why so many moms feel stuck in survival mode, and simple, practical steps to begin healing. This podcast summary breaks it all down and shares supportive resources, including a 60-day program designed to help calm and reset your nervous system.
If you’ve ever sat in a doctor’s office, poured your heart out, listed every bizarre symptom you’re dealing with… only to be told, “Hmm, everything looks normal,” you are not alone.
As moms, we carry a lot mentally, emotionally, physically and our bodies tend to absorb the brunt of it. When your nervous system has been running on fumes for months or years, the symptoms can feel random, confusing, and honestly a little scary. Which is why this week’s podcast episode was such a breath of fresh air.
In this episode, Alicia breaks down nervous system dysregulation in a way that finally makes sense. No overcomplicated jargon, no dismissal of lived experiences just real, compassionate conversation about what’s actually going on inside our bodies and what we can do to start feeling better.
Below is a quick recap of the topics she covered, but I highly recommend listening to the full episode for the full “aha moment” effect.
Why We Misunderstand Nervous System Dysregulation
Alicia dives into one of the biggest issues: we’ve been taught to treat symptoms, not systems. When your nervous system is dysregulated, it doesn’t always look like panic attacks or dramatic meltdowns. Sometimes it’s:
being tired but wired
feeling numb or checked out
irritability over tiny things
chronic pain
dizziness or lightheadedness
feeling stuck in freeze mode
trouble breathing deeply
difficulty focusing or making decisions
And yet, these symptoms get brushed off as “stress,” or and this one makes every women’s blood boil “it’s all in your head.”
Alicia reminds us: if your system has been in fight-or-flight for years, it’s not going to bounce back just because you slept 6 hours instead of 4. Your body thinks it’s protecting you. It just needs real support not shame, not dismissal, not a new “quick fix.”
Where to Start When You Feel Overwhelmed
One of the most helpful parts of the episode is how simple Alicia makes the first steps. She talks about:
creating pockets of safety throughout your day
grounding techniques that actually work
how to gently signal safety to your nervous system
why slow, consistent practices are more effective than sporadic big changes
You don’t need an hour-long routine. You don’t need special equipment. You don’t need a full-body detox retreat in the woods (though that does sound lovely).
You just need a few minutes at a time to start reminding your body that it’s okay to finally exhale.
When It Makes Sense to Run Labs
Alicia also gets into the nitty gritty of when labs are actually useful. Not every symptom requires extensive testing, and not every doctor knows which labs help identify nervous system related issues.
She talks about:
which symptoms suggest deeper dysregulation
what labs can help give clarity
what types of practitioners are actually helpful
how to advocate for yourself without feeling intimidated
If you’ve ever walked out of an appointment feeling unheard or unsure, this part of the episode is incredibly validating.
If You’re Feeling Lost, This Episode Is For You
Whether you’ve been dismissed by professionals, told your symptoms are exaggerated, or just feel like you’re barely functioning some days, this episode feels like that deep breath you didn’t know your body was craving.
And honestly? Hearing someone explain nervous system dysregulation in such a compassionate, accessible way feels like someone finally turning the lights on in a room you’ve been stumbling through for years.
If you haven’t listened yet, you can check out the full episode here. It’s absolutely worth your time.
Ready for Real Support? Here’s Something That Can Help
If this episode resonated with you, and you’re tired of feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like your body is constantly betraying you, there is something powerful you can do starting today.
The Workout Witch Heal Your Nervous System 3-Course Bundle is one of the most approachable, mom friendly options out there. It’s designed specifically for women who want to unwind stress and trauma stored in the body, calm a dysregulated nervous system, and feel grounded, connected, and stable again
And the best part? It takes just 10 minutes a day. No equipment. Done at home. And results are often felt within three days.
This bundle helps support women dealing with:
chronic stress
freeze/fawn patterns
long-term trauma
burnout
chronic pain
nervous system shutdown
fatigue, overwhelm, and emotional numbness
difficulty losing weight
dizziness
sensory issues
panic
dissociation
neck / jaw / back pain
people-pleasing and lack of boundaries
childhood trauma
and so many symptoms we often think are “just part of being a mom”
If you’re ready for guided support, you can get 10% off the bundle with
My Code: thedetoxedlife
Use it at checkout to save on the full 60-day program.
Final Thoughts
As moms, we tend to push our needs to the bottom of the list. We say “I’m fine” while our bodies scream that we’re not. This podcast episode and this bundle are beautiful reminders that:
You’re not imagining your symptoms.
You’re not dramatic or weak.
Your body is trying its best to protect you.
Healing is absolutely possible.
And you deserve support, rest, and relief.
Take a few minutes today to listen to the episode. Let it be the first step in giving your nervous system the care it’s been asking for.
And if you feel called to start a deeper healing journey, the 3-course bundle is such a gentle, effective place to begin.
💡 Follow @kellycarpenterwellness for more holistic nutrition and wellness tips.
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