Nurture

Feeling safe is a result of multiple factors that include personal experiences, external environment and how we internally process information from our surroundings. The science of feeling safe has been studied over several years by scientist Dr. Stephen Porges. His body of work, referred to as Polyvagal Theory, focuses on what is happening in the body and nervous system at every moment and how our sense of safety, danger or threat can impact our behaviour in an unconscious way.

THE VAGUS NERVE

The brain is constantly taking in information from the environment from our senses to determine if we are ‘safe’ or in ‘danger’. The information or ‘cues’ gathered from what we see, hear, smell, feel, taste or experience – is processed by the Vagus Nerve. This nerve is the largest cranial nerve in the body, extending from the base of the brain down to the colon, and is integral to the Gut-Brain Connection. In terms of polyvagal theory, it is the control centre for assessing cues of safety from both within the body and externally and how the body reacts automatically.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

We now understand some of the challenges that can occur for people under chronic stress, as carers often are. Other influences include: genetic makeup, life experiences, trauma, ADHD, autism and PTSD. In these cases, the nervous system becomes hypervigilant to anything it perceives as a threat, often seeing danger when there is none actually present. In this state, cues of safety from others and the environment may be missed, limiting their ability to relax and connect with themselves and others. Polyvagal theory provides a framework to help support people to regain feelings of safety and connection, leading to better social engagement, attention, learning and behaviour.