In the first two parts of this series, we introduced the basics of the Polyvagal Theory and its relationship with psychological safety. In this final part, we will discuss how to apply the Polyvagal Theory in the field of occupational health.
When the autonomic nervous system switches, the body undergoes various physiological responses. According to the Polyvagal Theory, there are three branches of the autonomic nervous system that respond to the environment.
- The nerve for creating connections (Ventral Vagal Complex) When the environment feels safe and you are relaxed with trusted friends or family, the "nerve for creating connections" is activated, leading to the following physiological responses:
- Muscles around the forehead and eyes relax, creating a soft gaze.
- The corners of the eyes lower, giving a gentle look.
- Facial expressions become soft and relaxed.
- The voice becomes calm and modulated.
- Heart rate and blood pressure stabilize.
- Breathing becomes deep and slow.
The chest expands, and posture becomes open and relaxed.
The nerve for taking action (Sympathetic Nervous System)
When you feel stressed or in danger and cannot connect with others, the "nerve for taking action" is activated to deal with the situation, leading to the following physiological responses:Pupils dilate, eyes widen, and become dry.
The gaze becomes sharp, and the field of vision narrows.
The voice and facial expressions become tense.
Heart rate and blood pressure increase.
The face may flush.
Breathing becomes shallow and rapid.
Muscles tense, and there may be trembling and sweating.
Digestive and urinary activities decrease.
Posture becomes forward-leaning.
The nerve for protecting life (Dorsal Vagal Complex)
When the sympathetic nervous system is dominant for a long time or under sudden stress, and you feel helpless, the "nerve for protecting life" is activated to prioritize survival, leading to the following physiological responses:Pupils and eyes become smaller.
Hearing becomes less sensitive.
The voice becomes monotone, and facial expressions diminish.
Heart rate and blood pressure decrease.
The face becomes pale.
Breathing becomes slow and shallow.
There is a sense of fatigue, lethargy, and chills.
Digestive and urinary activities increase.
Memory, concentration, and cognitive speed decrease.
The chest contracts, and posture becomes hunched.
In cases of mental health issues, symptoms often start with digestive complaints like stomach problems or nausea. This is because the body alternates between the sympathetic nervous system and the dorsal vagal complex.
If the workplace lacks a sense of safety, security, and connection, it can lead to various negative behaviors and phenomena. Without psychological safety, team members may not trust each other, fear showing weakness, and feel isolated. This can result in delayed reporting, hiding mistakes, and a sense of working alone.
In the short term, the sympathetic nervous system can help manage stress, but prolonged lack of psychological safety can lead to exhaustion and activation of the dorsal vagal complex. This results in decreased cognitive functions, increased mistakes, and longer working hours to compensate for reduced performance.
To apply the Polyvagal Theory in occupational health, it is important to foster a sense of connection and support within the team. During overwork consultations, encourage team members to avoid isolation and promote a blend of the ventral vagal complex and sympathetic nervous system for active engagement.
For those returning to work after mental health leave, it is crucial to acknowledge their efforts and avoid self-blame. Explain that it is natural to feel tired due to the increased information load and that they will recover at their own pace.
Lastly, occupational health staff should maintain their own ventral vagal state to provide a sense of safety and connection to those they support. Simple practices like deep abdominal breathing and maintaining a soft facial expression can help activate the ventral vagal complex.
