The Impact of Stress Response Overactivation in Highly Sensitive and Autistic Individuals by Julie Bjelland, LMFT
Highly sensitive and autistic individuals often experience an intensified activation of the amygdala, which plays a key role in the modulation of emotional responses and is particularly well-known for its involvement in fear processing and the fight-or-flight response. This heightened sensitivity can result in the amygdala becoming chronically overactivated, particularly in the bustling, high-stress environments of modern life. Such overactivation can severely impact both mental and physical health, contributing to a range of debilitating conditions.
Here's a closer look at the specific problems associated with amygdala overactivation in these populations and how targeted brain training can offer effective management strategies.
Digestive Issues
The connection between the brain and the gut often called the gut-brain axis, is particularly sensitive in highly sensitive and autistic individuals. Chronic stress can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), indigestion, and bloating. Persistent stress can also alter gut permeability, potentially resulting in inflammation and further health complications.
Headaches and Migraines
Stress-induced headaches, including tension headaches and migraines, are common in individuals who experience frequent amygdala activation. The body's stress response, which involves the release of hormones, can increase muscle tension and dilate blood vessels, directly contributing to the severity and frequency of headaches.
Anxiety
For highly sensitive and autistic individuals, the amygdala’s role in processing fear and anxiety can become a significant issue. Overstimulation can lead to an exaggerated perception of threats, causing heightened anxiety and impacting daily functioning, social interactions, and overall quality of life.
Chronic Health Conditions or Pain
Continuous activation of the amygdala and the associated stress response can exacerbate conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and autoimmune diseases. It can also intensify pain perception, complicating pain management and negatively affecting chronic health conditions.
Burnout
Burnout arises from prolonged stress and overexertion, manifesting as emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. It is particularly prevalent among highly sensitive and autistic individuals who may be more vulnerable to the cumulative effects of stress.
Highly Sensitive and Neurodivergent People have particular brain differences that make us more susceptible to high stress, overwhelm, anxiety, and chronic health conditions. Thankfully, there is a way to train your brain so you can navigate the challenges of high sensitivity, access your gifts, and live your fullest life!
The Solution: Holistic Brain Training
Brain training, specifically designed for highly sensitive and autistic individuals, teaches you how to activate calming centers in the brain that deactivate stress centers, as both cannot be active simultaneously! Learning this revolutionary approach changed my life profoundly. Previously, I used to fear everyday situations, worrying that they might trigger my fight/flight/freeze response. I felt helpless against the onslaught of anxiety and stress.
However, discovering that we can intentionally activate calming centers in the brain was a breakthrough. The results I observed in both my clients and myself were astonishing. By preventing the overactivation of the amygdala, we also prevent the release of adrenaline and other stress hormones that wreak havoc on our bodies. This natural method has proven to be incredibly effective.
The brain training method was developed over many years, drawing from neuroscience research to support our sensitive experiences in the world. It offers an alternative to traditional medications, which can often lead to side effects that are particularly challenging for sensitive systems.
Highly sensitive and autistic individuals report significant improvements in their health outcomes. They experience better digestion and long term even ending gluten intolerance or food allergies for many! We also see fewer headaches, reduced anxiety, the end of panic attacks and enhanced energy levels. The long-term results of the training mean preventing and improving chronic health conditions.
Brain training empowers us to regulate our sensitive response to stress, enhancing quality of life and providing substantial relief from the chronic conditions that disproportionately affect highly sensitive and autistic populations. This is a transformative step toward living a fuller, more manageable life amidst the challenges posed by heightened sensitivity in a world not set up for us.
I wanted this method to be available for everyone so I put it into a self paced online course to guide you through it. These are methods that have transformed my life and so many others. Most people feel improvement in the first two weeks.
What I hear over and over again from HSPs:
“I wish I had done this sooner.”
““I’ve been struggling with my anxiety for the past few years, and my brain feels like it can rest again. I am so grateful for this course and being able to work on myself for the better.”
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For just an hour or two a week, you will begin to feel the benefits of this training.
This self-paced online course allows you to complete it on your own timeline and in the comfort of your own space.
I’m Julie Bjelland, LMFT
Licensed Psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment, specializing in high sensitivity and adult-diagnosed autism in women. I love developing tools that balance our sensitive nervous system, reduce challenges, and help us reach our fullest potential so we may excel in our unique talents. I’ve created a global hub of extensive support, including online courses, the Sensitive Empowerment Community—a nurturing sanctuary—a globally top-ranked podcast, articles, free webinars, and more. My passion is helping create a world where differences are embraced as strengths and celebrated. Learn more at JulieBjelland.com
Some men have expressed frustration about my focus on women’s autism experiences, but this emphasis addresses a longstanding research gap that makes women-centered support essential.