Understanding Polyvagal Theory and How it Applies to Scam Victims

Principal Category: Psychological Trauma

Authors:
 •  Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
•  Based on the work of Dr. Stephen Porges

Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, explains how the autonomic nervous system responds to feelings of safety, danger, and life-threatening situations, offering valuable insights into the trauma experienced by scam victims. When victims are deceived, their nervous system shifts between three states: the ventral vagal state (safety and social engagement), the sympathetic state (fight or flight), and the dorsal vagal state (shutdown or freeze). Scam victims may initially experience shock, anxiety, and hypervigilance as they enter the fight or flight response, and when overwhelmed, they may shift into emotional numbness and social withdrawal in the dorsal vagal state. Understanding these states can help scam victims recognize their trauma responses and take steps toward recovery by practicing grounding techniques, seeking support, and working to restore a sense of safety and connection.

Understanding the Polyvagal Theory of Psychological Trauma and How it Applies to Scam Victims

Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, is a framework that explains how the autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates our physiological states in response to safety and threat. It focuses on the vagus nerve, the longest cranial nerve in the body, which plays a significant role in controlling heart rate, digestion, and other vital functions. The theory helps explain how our nervous system influences emotional regulation, social behavior, and how we respond to stress or trauma.

Polyvagal Theory Identifies Three Main States of the Nervous System:

Ventral Vagal State (Safety and Social Engagement)

This is the “safe and connected” state, where we feel calm, socially engaged, and emotionally balanced. When we are in this state, the parasympathetic branch of the nervous system, particularly the ventral vagal complex, is activated, allowing us to communicate, bond with others, and manage stress effectively.

Sympathetic Nervous System (Fight or Flight)

This is the “mobilized” state that kicks in when we perceive danger or threat. The body becomes aroused, heart rate increases, and we prepare to either fight or flee. This response is part of the body’s survival mechanism. In this state, we are reactive, on edge, and less able to engage socially or think clearly.

Dorsal Vagal State (Shutdown or Freeze)

When the threat is perceived as overwhelming and escape seems impossible, the dorsal vagal complex activates the “shutdown” response. This is a state of immobilization, dissociation, or collapse, where the body conserves energy by slowing down, heart rate drops, and individuals may feel numb, disconnected, or paralyzed.

The Ventral Vagal State in Polyvagal Theory: Safety and Social Engagement

In Polyvagal Theory, the ventral vagal state is a key component that relates to feelings of safety, connection, and social engagement. This state is governed by the ventral vagal complex (VVC), a part of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which helps regulate bodily functions when we feel calm and safe. The VVC primarily operates through the vagus nerve, which connects the brainstem to various organs, including the heart, lungs, and digestive system, promoting a state of relaxation and social engagement when activated.

What Is the Ventral Vagal State?

The ventral vagal state represents the optimal functioning of the nervous system, where individuals feel safe, calm, and connected to others. In this state, the body is at ease, the heart rate is regulated, and the mind is open to social interaction and emotional engagement. This state enables individuals to feel secure and to engage with the world in a healthy and adaptive way.

When the ventral vagal system is active, it allows people to:

Socially Engage: Feel comfortable interacting with others, forming connections, and communicating openly.

Feel Safe: Experience a sense of safety and calm, knowing they are not under threat.

Regulate Emotions: Manage emotions effectively, staying composed even in slightly stressful situations.

Experience Compassion: Feel empathy and compassion for themselves and others, promoting healthy relationships.

Rest and Digest: The body’s functions such as digestion and recovery operate smoothly, promoting physical health.

How the Ventral Vagal State Works

The ventral vagal complex governs the body’s “rest and digest” functions by balancing the sympathetic nervous system (which drives the “fight or flight” response). When in the ventral vagal state, the vagus nerve sends signals to the heart to slow down, calming the body and allowing the individual to feel connected and present.

The ventral vagal nerve plays a critical role in social behavior and emotional regulation by directly influencing:

Facial Expressions: Allowing for eye contact, smiles, and emotional expression that encourage bonding and connection.

Tone of Voice: Helping to maintain a soothing tone in conversations, signaling to others that they are safe.

Heart Rate: Regulating a calm and steady heartbeat that promotes relaxation.

Breathing: Encouraging slower, more regulated breathing that helps calm the mind and body.

Digestion: Supporting healthy digestive processes, as the body is not in a state of threat and can prioritize energy for these functions.

The Importance of the Ventral Vagal State in Social Engagement

When the ventral vagal system is active, individuals feel safe to engage socially. This state promotes healthy relationships by allowing people to be open, empathetic, and connected. It helps them read social cues accurately, like facial expressions and body language, which facilitates trust and bonding.

In contrast, when the ventral vagal state is inactive (due to stress, trauma, or perceived danger), individuals may find it difficult to connect with others. They may misinterpret social signals, withdraw from social interaction, or experience heightened levels of anxiety or isolation. These challenges can hinder personal relationships and emotional well-being.

The Role of the Ventral Vagal State in Trauma Recovery

Trauma can disrupt the nervous system, making it difficult for individuals to access the ventral vagal state. Trauma survivors, such as scam victims or people with other forms of betrayal trauma, may find it hard to feel safe or connected. Their nervous system may be stuck in a sympathetic “fight or flight” response or a dorsal vagal “shutdown” state, making it difficult to trust others or experience emotional regulation.

Polyvagal Theory emphasizes the importance of helping trauma survivors return to the ventral vagal state, where they can begin to feel safe, regulated, and capable of social engagement. This process involves techniques that activate the ventral vagal system, such as:

Mindfulness and Breathing Exercises: Deep, slow breathing helps activate the vagus nerve, calming the nervous system and promoting emotional balance.

Safe, Supportive Social Interactions: Positive social engagements, whether through therapy, support groups, or trusted loved ones, can reinforce feelings of safety and connection.

Physical Touch: Gentle, safe forms of physical contact (like a hug from a trusted person) can stimulate the ventral vagal system and encourage feelings of comfort and bonding.

Therapeutic Interventions: Therapy, especially those focused on trauma (like somatic experiencing or EMDR), can help individuals process their trauma and gradually return to a state of ventral vagal activation.

Signs of Being in the Ventral Vagal State

When an individual is in the ventral vagal state, they typically display the following signs:

Open Posture: Relaxed and approachable body language.

Eye Contact: Ability to comfortably maintain eye contact.

Calm Breathing: Slow, deep breaths with no signs of hyperventilation or breathlessness.

Engaged Listening: Ability to listen attentively to others, showing interest and understanding.

Steady Voice: Speaking in a calm, clear tone without strain or tension.

Moving Toward the Ventral Vagal State

For those who struggle with trauma, anxiety, or chronic stress, moving into the ventral vagal state requires practice and patience. Regularly engaging in activities that promote relaxation and connection can help strengthen the ventral vagal response and support emotional healing. Some practices that encourage ventral vagal activation include:

Meditation and Yoga: Both practices encourage deep breathing, mindfulness, and relaxation, activating the parasympathetic nervous system.

Positive Social Interactions: Engaging in supportive, empathetic conversations with trusted friends or family members.

Physical Activity: Gentle movement, such as walking, swimming, or stretching, helps the body regulate stress and shift into a calmer state.

Creative Expression: Art, music, or other creative outlets can foster relaxation and emotional expression, supporting ventral vagal activation.

Review

The ventral vagal state is the cornerstone of emotional safety, social engagement, and overall well-being. When this system is activated, individuals feel calm, connected, and capable of handling stress in healthy ways. For those dealing with trauma, finding ways to return to this state can be deeply healing, as it allows them to regain a sense of safety and connection to the world around them. By focusing on practices that activate the ventral vagal system, individuals can enhance their emotional resilience, foster healthier relationships, and improve their overall quality of life.

The Sympathetic Nervous System (Fight or Flight) in Polyvagal Theory

In Polyvagal Theory, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is one of the key components of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) that prepares the body for action in response to perceived threats. When activated, the SNS drives the fight or flight response, a physiological reaction that mobilizes energy to help individuals either confront a danger (fight) or escape from it (flight). This system is essential for survival, enabling humans to react quickly in the face of threats. However, prolonged activation of the sympathetic nervous system can lead to stress, anxiety, and physical health issues.

In Polyvagal Theory, the sympathetic nervous system is viewed as one of three core states of the nervous system:

Ventral Vagal State (safety And Social Engagement): A calm, connected state where individuals feel safe.

Sympathetic Nervous System (fight Or Flight): A mobilized state triggered by perceived danger, preparing the body for action.

Dorsal Vagal State (shutdown Or Freeze): An immobilized state where the body slows down in response to overwhelming threat.

What Happens When the Sympathetic Nervous System Is Activated?

When the sympathetic nervous system is triggered, the body undergoes several rapid changes aimed at improving physical performance and increasing chances of survival. These changes include:

Increased Heart Rate: The heart pumps more blood to muscles and vital organs, readying the body for action.

Rapid Breathing: Breathing quickens to increase oxygen intake, which is necessary for physical exertion.

Muscle Tension: Muscles tense up, preparing for either physical confrontation or escape.

Dilated Pupils: Eyes become more sensitive to light, improving vision and allowing for better assessment of the environment.

Inhibited Digestion: Blood flow is redirected away from non-essential functions like digestion and toward the muscles, providing more energy for immediate action.

These physiological changes are part of the fight or flight response, an automatic survival mechanism that prepares individuals to respond to danger. While this system is effective for short-term threats, extended periods of sympathetic activation can lead to chronic stress and emotional exhaustion.

The Fight or Flight Response in the Context of Trauma

For individuals who have experienced trauma, such as scam victims or those who have faced prolonged stress, the sympathetic nervous system may become chronically activated. This means that even in situations where there is no immediate physical danger, the body continues to respond as if there is a threat. This prolonged activation can have significant emotional, psychological, and physical consequences.

How the Sympathetic Nervous System Works in Trauma:

Hypervigilance: Trauma survivors may become hypervigilant, constantly scanning their environment for signs of danger, even when none exists. This keeps their sympathetic nervous system on high alert, leading to exhaustion and anxiety.

Difficulty Relaxing: Chronic sympathetic activation makes it difficult to relax or feel safe, as the body is continuously in a state of readiness for action. Trauma survivors may find it hard to return to the ventral vagal state, where social engagement and calm are possible.

Emotional Reactivity: With the SNS overactive, trauma survivors may react disproportionately to stressors, experiencing heightened emotional responses such as anger, fear, or panic in situations that may not warrant them.

The Biological Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System

The sympathetic nervous system is a critical part of human evolution and survival. In ancient times, the fight or flight response helped our ancestors survive life-threatening situations, such as escaping predators or defending against attacks. This rapid mobilization of energy was essential for physical survival.

However, in modern times, many of the threats we face are more psychological or emotional in nature, such as relationship conflicts, financial stress, or workplace pressure. The body’s fight or flight response, which is designed for short-term survival, can be triggered by these less tangible dangers, leading to ongoing stress without an outlet for physical action.

In Polyvagal Theory, the sympathetic state is viewed as part of a hierarchical response to danger:

When an individual feels safe, they are in the ventral vagal state, where they can engage socially and regulate emotions.

When the nervous system detects a threat, the sympathetic nervous system activates, preparing the individual for fight or flight.

If the threat is overwhelming and cannot be escaped or confronted, the dorsal vagal system activates, causing the individual to shut down or freeze.

Signs of Sympathetic Nervous System Activation

When the sympathetic nervous system is activated, certain signs and symptoms become evident, which indicate the body is preparing for a fight or flight response:

Increased Heart Rate And Blood Pressure: The heart pumps faster to supply the muscles with oxygen and energy.

Rapid, Shallow Breathing: Breathing becomes quicker to take in more oxygen.

Sweating: The body begins to sweat to cool itself down during physical exertion.

Heightened Alertness: The senses become sharper, allowing the individual to focus on the potential threat.

Tense Muscles: Muscles tighten in preparation for action.

Reduced Digestion and Salivation: The body suppresses non-essential functions like digestion to conserve energy for immediate survival.

Chronic Sympathetic Activation and Its Impact on Health

When the sympathetic nervous system is chronically activated, it can lead to several mental and physical health issues, including:

Chronic Anxiety: The constant state of alertness can lead to feelings of anxiety and an inability to relax.

Fatigue and Exhaustion: The body uses a great deal of energy to stay in the fight or flight mode, leading to exhaustion over time.

Sleep Disturbances: Many individuals with chronic sympathetic activation experience insomnia or restless sleep due to their heightened arousal.

Cardiovascular Problems: Prolonged sympathetic activation can contribute to high blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease.

Digestive Issues: Because digestion is suppressed during fight or flight, long-term activation can lead to digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or ulcers.

Shifting Out of the Sympathetic State

While the sympathetic nervous system is essential for survival, it’s important to recognize when it is no longer needed and how to shift out of this state. The goal in trauma recovery is to help individuals transition from sympathetic activation to the ventral vagal state, where they can feel safe, calm, and connected.

Here are some ways to help shift out of the sympathetic nervous system’s fight or flight response:

Deep Breathing: Slow, deep breathing signals the vagus nerve to calm the body down, helping shift from the fight or flight response to a more relaxed state.

Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness or meditation can help calm the mind and body, reducing stress and helping regulate the nervous system.

Physical Movement: Gentle exercise like yoga, stretching, or walking can help release built-up energy from sympathetic activation and restore a sense of balance.

Grounding Techniques: Grounding exercises, such as focusing on the present moment or paying attention to sensory details, can help bring the nervous system out of the fight or flight response.

Social Connection: Engaging in safe, supportive social interactions can activate the ventral vagal system, helping individuals feel safe and calm.

Review

The sympathetic nervous system plays an essential role in Polyvagal Theory, enabling the body to respond quickly to threats through the fight or flight response. While this system is crucial for survival, prolonged activation can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion, particularly for those who have experienced trauma. Recognizing when the sympathetic nervous system is activated and learning how to shift into a more relaxed state is important for maintaining emotional and physical well-being. Through breathing techniques, mindfulness, social connection, and movement, individuals can transition from a state of constant mobilization to one of calm and safety, promoting long-term healing and resilience.

The Dorsal Vagal State in Polyvagal Theory: Shutdown or Freeze Response

In Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the dorsal vagal state is one of the three key states of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), and it represents a shutdown or freeze response. This state occurs when an individual perceives a threat that is so overwhelming or inescapable that the body defaults to shutting down as a protective mechanism. The dorsal vagal state is governed by the dorsal vagal complex (DVC), a part of the parasympathetic nervous system that slows down the body’s processes, conserving energy in the face of extreme stress.

This state is part of a hierarchical system in which the body responds to threats in different ways:

The ventral vagal state is the “safe and social” mode, where we feel calm, engaged, and connected.

The sympathetic nervous system triggers the “fight or flight” response when we detect danger.

The dorsal vagal state occurs when the threat is perceived as too great to confront or escape, leading the body to freeze, shut down, or dissociate.

What Is the Dorsal Vagal State?

The dorsal vagal state is activated when the body perceives a situation as hopeless or impossible to resolve through action. In this state, the body enters a mode of conservation, slowing down functions like heart rate, breathing, and digestion. This shutdown response is a survival mechanism seen across species. In the wild, animals may play dead or immobilize themselves to avoid further harm when attacked by predators. For humans, the dorsal vagal state is triggered when the nervous system senses that fight or flight responses won’t work, and the only option is to “freeze.”

When in the dorsal vagal state, an individual may experience:

Emotional numbness: A sense of disconnection or detachment from emotions or reality.

Physical immobilization: Feeling paralyzed, lethargic, or unable to move.

Low energy: Extreme fatigue or a sense of being drained.

Disassociation: Mentally “checking out” or feeling disconnected from the body and surroundings.

Loss of interest in surroundings: A lack of motivation to engage with the environment or others.

Slow heart rate and shallow breathing: The body’s energy-conserving measures reduce the demand on the heart and lungs.

A sense of hopelessness: Feelings of powerlessness or giving up.

Why Does the Dorsal Vagal State Occur?

The dorsal vagal state is the body’s last line of defense in response to overwhelming stress or trauma. When the body determines that it cannot escape danger through fight or flight, it activates the dorsal vagal system to “shut down” the body. This process can help minimize the emotional and physical pain of the perceived threat by numbing the body and mind.

In situations of trauma, such as abuse, violence, or significant emotional distress (like scams or betrayals), the dorsal vagal response can be triggered. The shutdown state serves as a protective mechanism, helping the individual survive the trauma, but it can become problematic when the nervous system remains stuck in this state even after the threat has passed.

The Dorsal Vagal State and Trauma

For trauma survivors, including scam victims or those who have faced prolonged emotional abuse or betrayal, the dorsal vagal state can become chronically activated. This can happen when the nervous system is overwhelmed by the traumatic experience and continues to perceive danger, even in safe environments. Victims of trauma may experience ongoing symptoms of numbness, dissociation, depression, or extreme fatigue long after the traumatic event.

For instance, scam victims may feel emotionally disconnected or withdrawn as a result of the profound betrayal they experienced. They may lose interest in activities or relationships that once brought joy and may feel emotionally flat or disconnected from the world. This is the dorsal vagal state manifesting as emotional shutdown in response to overwhelming emotional pain.

Common Symptoms of the Dorsal Vagal State in Trauma Survivors:

Emotional disconnection: Feeling emotionally numb, detached from others, or unable to experience joy or sadness.

Fatigue or exhaustion: Extreme tiredness, as if the body is “shutting down” to conserve energy.

Dissociation: Mentally disconnecting from the present moment, feeling like you are observing life from outside your body, or experiencing “blank” periods of time.

Depression: A sense of hopelessness, apathy, or a lack of motivation to engage in life.

Social withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions or relationships due to feelings of numbness or fear of further harm.

The Dorsal Vagal State as a Survival Mechanism

While the dorsal vagal state is challenging to experience, it is important to recognize that it is a natural survival mechanism. The body’s priority is survival, and the dorsal vagal state can be a way to endure situations that feel impossible to handle. For example, in situations of extreme trauma, individuals may dissociate or emotionally numb themselves to avoid feeling the full impact of the event.

This can be seen in both physical and emotional trauma:

Physical trauma: If someone is physically attacked or in a life-threatening situation, their body may enter the dorsal vagal state to prevent them from experiencing extreme pain or fear.

Emotional trauma: Victims of emotional abuse, scams, or betrayal may feel so overwhelmed by the emotional pain that their body shuts down emotionally, entering a state of numbness and disconnection as a way to cope.

The Impact of Chronic Dorsal Vagal Activation

While the dorsal vagal state is a natural response to acute trauma, chronic activation of this state can lead to long-term emotional and physical challenges. When the nervous system remains stuck in this state, individuals may struggle to re-engage with life and relationships, leading to problems like depression, chronic fatigue, and dissociation.

Long-term dorsal vagal activation can affect physical health as well, since the body’s systems (such as digestion, immune function, and cardiovascular health) are slowed down to conserve energy. Over time, this can contribute to digestive issues, lowered immune response, and other health complications.

Recovering from the Dorsal Vagal State

For trauma survivors stuck in the dorsal vagal state, recovery involves re-engaging with life, processing the trauma, and gradually moving toward the ventral vagal state, where feelings of safety and connection can be restored. This process often requires time, therapy, and gentle self-care.

Here are some strategies that can help individuals move out of the dorsal vagal state:

Somatic Therapy

Somatic therapies, such as somatic experiencing or body-based mindfulness practices, can help individuals reconnect with their bodies. These therapies focus on slowly bringing awareness back to the body and releasing stored tension from trauma.

Safe Social Engagement

Re-engaging with trusted friends, family, or support groups can help re-establish a sense of safety. Social connection is vital for activating the ventral vagal state, which helps counterbalance the dorsal shutdown.

Grounding Techniques

Grounding exercises can help individuals reconnect to the present moment and to their surroundings. Techniques such as focusing on sensory experiences (e.g., touching an object, smelling something calming) can help draw attention away from dissociation and numbness.

Gentle Physical Activity

Movement is an effective way to help the body release trauma. Gentle activities like yoga, walking, or stretching can help signal to the nervous system that it’s safe to move out of the shutdown state.

Therapeutic Interventions

Trauma-specific therapies, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can help individuals process traumatic memories and regain control over their emotional responses.

Slow, Deep Breathing

Breathing exercises can help stimulate the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in calming the body and moving it out of the dorsal vagal state. Slow, deep breaths signal to the nervous system that the immediate threat has passed and that it’s safe to return to a state of relaxation.

Review

The dorsal vagal state is the body’s response to overwhelming danger or trauma, causing a shutdown or freeze reaction. While it serves as a survival mechanism, protecting individuals from extreme pain or fear, chronic activation of this state can lead to emotional numbness, dissociation, depression, and social withdrawal. Understanding the role of the dorsal vagal state in trauma can help individuals recognize why they may feel disconnected or immobilized and encourage them to seek the support and tools necessary to re-engage with life. By using grounding techniques, somatic therapies, and social engagement, individuals can begin to shift out of the dorsal vagal state and move toward healing, safety, and connection.

Polyvagal Theory and Its Application to Traumatized Scam Victims

Polyvagal Theory offers a framework for understanding how the autonomic nervous system (ANS) responds to feelings of safety, danger, and life-threatening situations. This theory is especially useful in understanding how trauma impacts scam victims, helping explain their emotional and physical responses after being deceived and manipulated.

Scam victims often experience a profound sense of betrayal, shock, fear, and even shame when they realize they’ve been defrauded. These emotional states can cause the nervous system to shift into different modes, as described in Polyvagal Theory. By exploring these modes—ventral vagal (safety and social engagement), sympathetic (fight or flight), and dorsal vagal (shutdown or freeze)—we can gain insight into the psychological and physiological responses of scam victims and how they can work toward healing.

Ventral Vagal State: Safety and Connection

The ventral vagal state represents a state of safety, calm, and social engagement. When individuals are in this state, they feel secure, connected, and are able to engage with others in a healthy and open way. Scam victims, before they are defrauded, may have felt safe, trusted their instincts, and interacted freely with the world. They likely had a sense of emotional balance and were capable of building relationships without significant fear of harm.

However, once the scam is revealed, victims often lose their sense of safety and trust. The ventral vagal state becomes harder to access as the betrayal of trust disrupts their sense of security. They may find it difficult to socially engage with others, often withdrawing from relationships out of fear of being deceived again. This emotional disconnection from others is common in trauma survivors, as the body and mind are no longer functioning in a mode of trust and openness.

Sympathetic State: Fight or Flight Response

Once scam victims realize they have been deceived, the sympathetic nervous system is often activated. This system is responsible for the fight or flight response, where the body becomes alert and mobilized to face or flee from perceived danger. Scam victims may experience:

Heightened Anxiety: Constant worry about how much they lost or fear of being scammed again.

Increased Heart Rate: Physical signs of stress, such as a racing heart or shortness of breath, as they try to cope with the shock of the scam.

Racing Thoughts: Overthinking how they could have avoided the scam or replaying details in their head, trying to understand what went wrong.

This fight or flight state makes victims feel constantly on edge, as though they need to protect themselves from further harm. They may become hypervigilant, questioning everyone around them and feeling as though danger lurks in every interaction. This response can lead to chronic stress and emotional exhaustion, as the body remains in a heightened state of alertness for long periods.

In this state, scam victims may engage in behaviors such as:

Obsessive Checking: Continuously reviewing financial accounts, emails, or communications with the scammer to see if there’s any way to fix the situation.

Overreaction to Small Threats: Even minor stressors can provoke intense reactions, as the nervous system is still operating in survival mode.

Difficulty Sleeping: Anxiety and stress make it hard for the body to relax, leading to insomnia or restless nights.

Dorsal Vagal State: Shutdown or Freeze Response

When the sympathetic state becomes overwhelming and scam victims feel they can’t fight or escape the situation, they may enter the dorsal vagal state, also known as the shutdown or freeze response. In this state, the body slows down as a protective mechanism, conserving energy when faced with a threat that seems inescapable.

For scam victims, the dorsal vagal state may look like:

Emotional numbness: Victims may feel emotionally detached or disconnected from reality, as if they’re “frozen” in their feelings.

Hopelessness and despair: A deep sense of helplessness can set in, where the victim feels there’s no way to recover from the loss.

Social withdrawal: Scam victims may isolate themselves from friends and family, unable to connect due to the shame or guilt they feel over being scammed.

Physical fatigue: The body may feel heavy and exhausted, as if it’s shutting down to cope with the emotional weight of the betrayal.

In this state, scam victims may stop seeking help, avoid engaging with professionals or loved ones, and retreat into a mental and physical shell. This response is deeply tied to feelings of defeat and resignation, where the victim feels powerless to change their situation.

Healing and Returning to the Ventral Vagal State

Polyvagal Theory not only helps explain how scam victims experience trauma but also offers insight into how they can recover and return to a state of safety and connection (ventral vagal state). Recovery is a gradual process that involves calming the nervous system and restoring feelings of trust, safety, and emotional balance.

Here are some steps that can help scam victims move toward healing:

Recognizing the Trauma Response

Scam victims must first recognize that their feelings of fear, anxiety, or shutdown are natural trauma responses. These emotional and physical reactions are the body’s way of coping with overwhelming stress and betrayal.

Creating a Safe Environment

Returning to a ventral vagal state begins with creating a sense of safety. This may involve reconnecting with trusted friends or family, setting boundaries with those who may not understand, and seeking professional support (such as therapy) to help process the trauma.

Practicing Grounding Techniques

Grounding techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness can help calm the nervous system, reducing anxiety and stress. These practices activate the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in shifting the body from a fight or flight state back to a calm, regulated state.

Engaging in Positive Social Interactions

Social connection is an essential part of recovery. Scam victims may feel hesitant to trust others again, but gradually re-engaging with safe, supportive relationships can help them rebuild their sense of connection. Talking with loved ones, joining support groups, or seeking therapy can provide emotional validation and a safe space to express feelings.

Therapeutic Interventions

Trauma-focused therapies such as Somatic Experiencing, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help scam victims process their trauma and reduce the emotional intensity of their memories. These therapies are designed to help individuals regain a sense of control over their emotional responses and return to a state of safety.

Slowly Reintroducing Stress

Over time, scam victims can slowly reintroduce themselves to stress in a controlled and safe way, helping their nervous system learn to regulate itself again. This may involve confronting smaller challenges that don’t feel overwhelming, allowing the nervous system to practice recovering from stress.

Review

Polyvagal Theory offers a powerful lens for understanding how scam victims experience trauma and how their nervous systems respond to the intense betrayal and emotional pain of being deceived. By recognizing the shifts between the ventral vagal state, sympathetic activation, and dorsal vagal shutdown, scam victims can better understand their emotional and physical responses to trauma.

Through practices that promote safety, social connection, and emotional regulation, scam victims can begin to recover, gradually returning to a state where they feel calm, connected, and capable of trusting again. Healing is not linear, but with the right tools and support, victims can work toward re-engaging with life and restoring their sense of security.

Importance of Polyvagal Theory – Summary

Polyvagal Theory shows that our nervous system continuously monitors for cues of safety and danger in our environment, known as neuroception. Depending on what we perceive, we shift between these three states. For people who have experienced trauma, like scam victims or others who have faced significant stress, their nervous system may become dysregulated, spending more time in the fight/flight or shutdown modes even when the actual threat has passed.

By understanding Polyvagal Theory, individuals and therapists can develop strategies to help regulate the nervous system and shift back to the ventral vagal state, fostering feelings of safety and well-being. Practices like deep breathing, mindfulness, and connecting with others can help activate the ventral vagal system, promoting recovery and emotional balance.

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• Become a SCARS Member and get free counseling benefits, visit membership.AgainstScams.org
• Report each and every crime, learn how to at reporting.AgainstScams.org
• Learn More about Scams & Scammers at RomanceScamsNOW.com and ScamsNOW.com
• Scammer Photos on ScammerPhotos.com [Not Recommended for Recent Scam Victims]
• SCARS Videos youtube.AgainstScams.org
• Self-Help Books for Scam Victims are at shop.AgainstScams.org
• Donate/Give to SCARS and help us help others at donate.AgainstScams.org

Psychology Disclaimer:

All articles about psychology, neurology, and the human brain on this website are for information & education only

The information provided in these articles is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.

While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.

Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.

If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.

Also, please read our SCARS Institute Statement About Professional Care for Scam Victims – here

If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.

A Note About Labeling!

We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!

Statement About Victim Blaming

Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.

These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.

Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org

Psychology Disclaimer:

All articles about psychology, neurology, and the human brain on this website are for information & education only

The information provided in these articles is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.

While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.

Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.

If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.

Also, please read our SCARS Institute Statement About Professional Care for Scam Victims – here

If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.

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