Dysregulated vs. Regulated: A Journal-Based Reality Check

These are my examples of a regulated nervous system vs. a dysregulated nervous system. The way I’m about to break this down might hit a little different—and maybe show you which side you fall under.

I’m not a physician or a mental health expert, but I have been through many storms.

Dysregulated: You snap instantly. Everything sends you from 1 to 100 in a flash. You’re in a constant state of attack mode and unable to calm yourself down.

Regulated: You pause before responding. You don’t over-explain yourself. You listen and observe before taking action. You remain collected under pressure.

Dysregulated: Rest feels unsafe or unproductive. Insomnia, bad dreams, or restlessness are common. Worry and panic are your first thoughts when you wake.

Regulated: You rest without guilt. You create time for yourself. You choose how to spend your time at your leisure.

Dysregulated: You people-please and feel resentful. You put on a performance to earn appreciation. You seek validation through the opinions of others.

Regulated: You set boundaries without fear. You speak your truth without hesitation. You stand in your beliefs regardless of outside influence.

Dysregulated: You spiral into past/future anxiety. You worry about events that haven’t happened yet and let that shape your choices. You relive old arguments and let them dictate your mood.

Regulated: You stay present. You meet the moment as it is, not as it was or might be.  You trust yourself to handle what comes—when it comes.

Dysregulated: Your body feels like a battlefield. You’re easily triggered, always walking on eggshells. You feel drained and unable to assess things clearly.

Regulated: You feel safe in your body. You no longer fight for peace—it flows naturally. You’re comfortable being yourself without judgment.

Dysregulated: You hold your breath without realizing it. You forget to eat or move your body. Physical symptoms flare up: headaches, back pain, foot aches, and stomach issues.

Regulated: You breathe deeply and steadily. Your body feels fueled and calm. Your energy is abundant, and you move in tune with your environment.

So these are all based on my own experience—real talk, I journal a lot. Like, not every single feeling… but 99.9% of them (yes, I’m that person 😅). And through that journaling, I started noticing patterns within myself. All this insight? It’s from observing me. So yeah, this is research—self-research. And honestly? It’s been some of the most eye-opening knowledge I’ve ever gathered.