Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
The Window of Tolerance is a concept to explain the level of comfort and stability for a trauma survivor to manage everyday life.
Above the Window of Tolerance is a state of hyper-arousal, where you feel overwhelmed by memories of your trauma and associated triggers, and your body is pushed into ‘fight or flight’ mode. You can feel angry, overly alert and unable to rest, because your body is being flooded with hormones.
You’ll often experience unwanted flashbacks or images, and find yourself prone to outbursts. It may be particularly difficult to be in crowded or busy environments, where you feel overstimulated and poised to react to a threat.
Below the Window of Tolerance is a state of hypo-arousal: you feel numb and depressed, with very little energy, and you may avoid socializing with other people or freeze in situations. You’ll need to sleep, your blood pressure may drop, and your digestion might even slow down.
As with hyper-arousal, you’re not able to function properly. You may have feelings of dissociation, even memory loss, and you cannot think clearly. You may even resort to self-harm.
Unfortunately, your Window of Tolerance can shrink when you suffer trauma or difficult life experiences. You may feel much less able to cope than you would have done five or ten years ago. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is nothing to be ashamed of, but it can be successfully treated.
By working with a trauma informed therapist, you can expand that Window of Tolerance and increase your comfort zone. When you come close to going beyond your personal limits, you can apply the techniques you’ve learned to help bring you back to a safe level.
The Window of Tolerance is a concept to explain the level of comfort and stability for a trauma survivor to manage everyday life.
Above the Window of Tolerance is a state of hyper-arousal, where you feel overwhelmed by memories of your trauma and associated triggers, and your body is pushed into ‘fight or flight’ mode. You can feel angry, overly alert and unable to rest, because your body is being flooded with hormones.
You’ll often experience unwanted flashbacks or images, and find yourself prone to outbursts. It may be particularly difficult to be in crowded or busy environments, where you feel overstimulated and poised to react to a threat.
Below the Window of Tolerance is a state of hypo-arousal: you feel numb and depressed, with very little energy, and you may avoid socializing with other people or freeze in situations. You’ll need to sleep, your blood pressure may drop, and your digestion might even slow down.
As with hyper-arousal, you’re not able to function properly. You may have feelings of dissociation, even memory loss, and you cannot think clearly. You may even resort to self-harm.
Unfortunately, your Window of Tolerance can shrink when you suffer trauma or difficult life experiences. You may feel much less able to cope than you would have done five or ten years ago. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is nothing to be ashamed of, but it can be successfully treated.
By working with a trauma informed therapist, you can expand that Window of Tolerance and increase your comfort zone. When you come close to going beyond your personal limits, you can apply the techniques you’ve learned to help bring you back to a safe level.