Can’t feel properly

[Ellciott]

Your reflections on the potential limitations of externalizing experiences and reframing your narrative in the context of chronic dissociation and emotional avoidance highlight the nuanced challenges of trauma processing, memory integration, and narrative reconceptualization. Considering the complexities of your healing journey and your desire to confront and validate the depth of your emotional experiences, let's explore alternative approaches that may align more closely with your current needs and aspirations for acceptance, emotional connection, and truth-seeking in your healing process:

1. **Navigating Chronic Dissociation**:
- Given your experience of chronic dissociation and the struggle to connect with emotions and experiences, externalizing techniques that create distance between oneself and traumatic memories or emotions may indeed feel **counterproductive** or **challenging** to engage with.
- Instead of externalizing experiences, you might consider **internal focusing** techniques that emphasize attunement to body sensations, emotional signals, and inner experiences as a means of fostering **self-connection** and **emotional grounding** within the present moment.

2. **Exploring Narrative Reframing**:
- While reframing your narrative can be a valuable tool for shifting perspectives, challenging negative beliefs, and fostering resilience, it is crucial to approach this process with **gentleness**, **compassion**, and **truth-seeking** in mind.
- Rather than bypassing or dismissing painful aspects of your story with gratitude and positivity, you might explore **narrative validation**, **truth-telling**, and **compassionate witnessing** of your past experiences to honor the depth of your emotional wounds, acknowledge the impact of trauma, and cultivate **authentic** and **integrative** narratives of self.

3. **Facing Painful Truths**:
- Acknowledging the painful truths of your past experiences, the enduring impact of trauma on your functioning, and the profound changes it has wrought within you is a courageous and essential aspect of **self-confrontation** and **emotional integration**.
- By allowing yourself to sit with the raw emotions, vulnerabilities, and truths of your narrative, you create space for **authenticity**, **vulnerability**, and **healing** that can pave the way for deeper **self-understanding** and **compassionate acceptance** of your experiences and their effects on your well-being.

In honoring the complexity of your healing journey, grappling with chronic dissociation, and seeking pathways to validate, connect with, and accept the truths of your narrative, it is vital to approach yourself and your experiences with **curiosity**, **self-compassion**, and **honesty** as you navigate the depths of your emotional landscape and strive for greater **integration** and **growth**. How do these reflections resonate with your current needs and aspirations for connecting with your emotions, accepting the truths of your narrative, and embracing the courageous journey of emotional healing and self-discovery in the midst of chronic dissociation and avoidance patterns? Additionally, what practices or approaches feel most resonant with your longing for authenticity, emotional connection, and truth-seeking as you navigate the complexities of your healing path with care and **resilience**?

Self-confrontation sounds like it could be very helpful, I haven’t heard much about that if you have more information?

Emotional integration sounds like one of my goals, although my inability to feel emotions - especially related to past experiences- properly have proven to be an obstacle.

Somatic experiencing also sounds like it would be extremely helpful, but unfortunately no one in my area works with that. Are there things I can do on my own or do I need professional support?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Self-confrontation sounds like it could be very helpful, I haven’t heard much about that if you have more information?

Emotional integration sounds like one of my goals, although my inability to feel emotions - especially related to past experiences- properly have proven to be an obstacle.

Somatic experiencing also sounds like it would be extremely helpful, but unfortunately no one in my area works with that. Are there things I can do on my own or do I need professional support?

Self-confrontation is indeed a powerful process that involves bravely facing your emotions, narratives, and inner truths with courage, honesty, and self-compassion. It can be a transformative tool in trauma recovery and self-discovery, guiding you towards greater insight, emotional integration, and healing. Here's an exploration of self-confrontation along with suggestions for emotional integration and somatic practices that you can engage in on your own or with professional support:

1. **Self-Confrontation**:
- **Self-confrontation** entails acknowledging and sitting with your internal experiences, thoughts, emotions, and narratives in a non-judgmental and compassionate manner, creating space for authentic self-reflection and emotional exploration.
- Through self-confrontation, you can delve into the depths of your emotional landscape, navigate challenging truths, and cultivate a sense of agency and empowerment in your healing journey by facing what may have been avoided or overlooked.

2. **Emotional Integration**:
- **Emotional integration** involves fostering a harmonious relationship with your emotions, allowing yourself to recognize, express, and process feelings related to past experiences in a safe and validating manner.
- As you navigate difficulties in feeling emotions, especially those linked to past traumas, practices such as **emotion-focused therapy**, **mindfulness**, **journaling**, and **creative expression** can support your journey towards emotional attunement and integration.

3. **Somatic Practices**:
- **Somatic experiencing** is a body-oriented approach that focuses on tracking bodily sensations, regulating nervous system arousal, and releasing stored trauma energy to promote healing and resilience.
- While finding a professional trained in somatic experiencing is ideal, there are **self-directed somatic practices** you can explore, such as **mindful body scans**, **breathwork**, **progressive muscle relaxation**, and **gentle movement exercises** that can help cultivate body awareness and emotional regulation.

In navigating the terrain of self-confrontation, emotional integration, and somatic practices, it is essential to **honour** your pace, **prioritize** self-care, and **seek** the support that aligns with your needs and comfort level in your healing journey. Whether engaging in self-directed practices, seeking professional guidance, or exploring therapeutic modalities that resonate with you, the **emphasis** is on **nurturing** your emotional well-being, fostering **self-compassion**, and cultivating pathways to **self-discovery** and **resilience** as you navigate the complexities of trauma recovery and **emotional healing**. How do these insights resonate with your aspirations for self-confrontation, emotional integration, and somatic exploration in your healing journey, and what steps feel most supportive in fostering **self-awareness**, **emotional connection**, and **healing** as you embrace the challenges and opportunities for growth within your trauma recovery process?

 

[Ellciott]

Self-confrontation is indeed a powerful process that involves bravely facing your emotions, narratives, and inner truths with courage, honesty, and self-compassion. It can be a transformative tool in trauma recovery and self-discovery, guiding you towards greater insight, emotional integration, and healing. Here's an exploration of self-confrontation along with suggestions for emotional integration and somatic practices that you can engage in on your own or with professional support:

1. **Self-Confrontation**:
- **Self-confrontation** entails acknowledging and sitting with your internal experiences, thoughts, emotions, and narratives in a non-judgmental and compassionate manner, creating space for authentic self-reflection and emotional exploration.
- Through self-confrontation, you can delve into the depths of your emotional landscape, navigate challenging truths, and cultivate a sense of agency and empowerment in your healing journey by facing what may have been avoided or overlooked.

2. **Emotional Integration**:
- **Emotional integration** involves fostering a harmonious relationship with your emotions, allowing yourself to recognize, express, and process feelings related to past experiences in a safe and validating manner.
- As you navigate difficulties in feeling emotions, especially those linked to past traumas, practices such as **emotion-focused therapy**, **mindfulness**, **journaling**, and **creative expression** can support your journey towards emotional attunement and integration.

3. **Somatic Practices**:
- **Somatic experiencing** is a body-oriented approach that focuses on tracking bodily sensations, regulating nervous system arousal, and releasing stored trauma energy to promote healing and resilience.
- While finding a professional trained in somatic experiencing is ideal, there are **self-directed somatic practices** you can explore, such as **mindful body scans**, **breathwork**, **progressive muscle relaxation**, and **gentle movement exercises** that can help cultivate body awareness and emotional regulation.

In navigating the terrain of self-confrontation, emotional integration, and somatic practices, it is essential to **honour** your pace, **prioritize** self-care, and **seek** the support that aligns with your needs and comfort level in your healing journey. Whether engaging in self-directed practices, seeking professional guidance, or exploring therapeutic modalities that resonate with you, the **emphasis** is on **nurturing** your emotional well-being, fostering **self-compassion**, and cultivating pathways to **self-discovery** and **resilience** as you navigate the complexities of trauma recovery and **emotional healing**. How do these insights resonate with your aspirations for self-confrontation, emotional integration, and somatic exploration in your healing journey, and what steps feel most supportive in fostering **self-awareness**, **emotional connection**, and **healing** as you embrace the challenges and opportunities for growth within your trauma recovery process?

When something surprises me (I.e. someone behind me speaks when I didn’t know they were there or a loud sound happens suddenly) I feel almost like a surge of electricity runs through my body and it almost feels like my heart stops for a second. I don’t jump or move, sometimes it even feels more like I just tense up. Is this a startle response?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

When something surprises me (I.e. someone behind me speaks when I didn’t know they were there or a loud sound happens suddenly) I feel almost like a surge of electricity runs through my body and it almost feels like my heart stops for a second. I don’t jump or move, sometimes it even feels more like I just tense up. Is this a startle response?

The physical and physiological sensations you're describing when experiencing a sudden surprise, such as feeling a surge of electricity through your body, a momentary pause in your heart rate, and a sense of tensing up, are consistent with what is known as a startle response. A startle response is a primitive, automatic reaction that occurs in response to a sudden, unexpected stimulus or threat and is a natural part of human protective mechanisms.

The startle response can manifest in various ways, including heightened arousal, increased heart rate, muscle tension, and enhanced vigilance. While some individuals may visibly startle by jumping or visibly reacting to the stimulus, others, like yourself, may experience internal sensations such as tension or the sensation of freezing in response to the surprise. These variations in response are influenced by individual differences in the nervous system's reactivity and past experiences with similar triggers.

Acknowledging and understanding your startle response can be a crucial step in recognizing how your body and mind react to perceived threats or unexpected stimuli. By increasing your awareness of this automatic response, you can begin to explore strategies to regulate your physiological reactions, cultivate grounding techniques, and build resilience in coping with surprise triggers in your environment.

It may be beneficial to incorporate grounding exercises, mindfulness practices, and relaxation techniques into your coping toolbox to help regulate your body's response to sudden surprises and enhance your sense of safety and control. Additionally, processing past experiences that may have contributed to heightened startle responses can be valuable in exploring the roots of these reactions and fostering a deeper understanding of your body's responses to triggers.

As you navigate and explore your startle response, consider how these physical sensations impact your overall well-being and daily functioning, and reflect on strategies that resonate with you in managing and regulating your body's reactions to unexpected stimuli. How do you typically cope with these startle responses, and are there specific techniques or support systems that have been helpful in soothing your body's reactions to sudden surprises or triggering events as you strive to cultivate greater **emotional regulation** and **self-awareness** in your healing journey?

 

[Ellciott]

The physical and physiological sensations you're describing when experiencing a sudden surprise, such as feeling a surge of electricity through your body, a momentary pause in your heart rate, and a sense of tensing up, are consistent with what is known as a startle response. A startle response is a primitive, automatic reaction that occurs in response to a sudden, unexpected stimulus or threat and is a natural part of human protective mechanisms.

The startle response can manifest in various ways, including heightened arousal, increased heart rate, muscle tension, and enhanced vigilance. While some individuals may visibly startle by jumping or visibly reacting to the stimulus, others, like yourself, may experience internal sensations such as tension or the sensation of freezing in response to the surprise. These variations in response are influenced by individual differences in the nervous system's reactivity and past experiences with similar triggers.

Acknowledging and understanding your startle response can be a crucial step in recognizing how your body and mind react to perceived threats or unexpected stimuli. By increasing your awareness of this automatic response, you can begin to explore strategies to regulate your physiological reactions, cultivate grounding techniques, and build resilience in coping with surprise triggers in your environment.

It may be beneficial to incorporate grounding exercises, mindfulness practices, and relaxation techniques into your coping toolbox to help regulate your body's response to sudden surprises and enhance your sense of safety and control. Additionally, processing past experiences that may have contributed to heightened startle responses can be valuable in exploring the roots of these reactions and fostering a deeper understanding of your body's responses to triggers.

As you navigate and explore your startle response, consider how these physical sensations impact your overall well-being and daily functioning, and reflect on strategies that resonate with you in managing and regulating your body's reactions to unexpected stimuli. How do you typically cope with these startle responses, and are there specific techniques or support systems that have been helpful in soothing your body's reactions to sudden surprises or triggering events as you strive to cultivate greater **emotional regulation** and **self-awareness** in your healing journey?

Honestly, no, nothing has tamped down the intense electrical feeling of being startled and usually I cope with it by pausing and breathing and it’s incredibly embarrassing

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Honestly, no, nothing has tamped down the intense electrical feeling of being startled and usually I cope with it by pausing and breathing and it’s incredibly embarrassing

It sounds like the intense electrical sensation you experience when startled can be overwhelming and challenging to manage, especially when it leads to feelings of embarrassment. The physical and emotional impact of these startle responses can be distressing and may highlight the need for additional support and strategies to help you navigate these experiences with greater ease. Let's explore some personalized approaches that may offer support in regulating your responses to startling situations and reducing feelings of embarrassment:

1. **Grounding Techniques**:
- Grounding techniques can provide a sense of stability and connection when you feel overwhelmed by the electrical sensation and startle response. Practice grounding exercises that engage your senses, such as focusing on your breath, noticing objects in your environment, or feeling the textures around you, to bring yourself back to the present moment and regulate your nervous system.

2. **Self-Compassion**:
- It's important to offer yourself **self-compassion** during these moments of intense startle responses. Remind yourself that it's a natural reaction, and everyone experiences startle responses differently. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, acknowledging that your body is reacting to perceived threats based on past experiences.

3. **Coping Strategies**:
- Experiment with additional **coping strategies** that may help regulate your physical sensations and emotional responses to being startled. Techniques such as **progressive muscle relaxation**, **visualization**, or **mindful breathing** exercises can support you in managing the intensity of the electrical feeling and reducing the associated embarrassment.

4. **Professional Support**:
- If these startle responses continue to be distressing and impact your daily functioning, consider seeking support from a mental health professional, such as a trauma therapist or counselor. They can help you explore the root causes of these responses, develop personalized coping strategies, and offer a safe space to process the emotional impact of these experiences.

By incorporating these strategies into your coping repertoire and prioritizing self-compassion and self-care, you can begin to address the challenges posed by intense startle responses and reduce feelings of embarrassment during these moments. Remember that it's okay to seek help and support when needed, and your experiences are valid and deserving of understanding and healing. How do you feel about exploring these personalized approaches to managing your startle responses and reducing feelings of embarrassment in these moments? What steps resonate with you as potential paths to cultivating a sense of calm, resilience, and self-compassion in the face of intense startle reactions?

 

[Ellciott]

It sounds like the intense electrical sensation you experience when startled can be overwhelming and challenging to manage, especially when it leads to feelings of embarrassment. The physical and emotional impact of these startle responses can be distressing and may highlight the need for additional support and strategies to help you navigate these experiences with greater ease. Let's explore some personalized approaches that may offer support in regulating your responses to startling situations and reducing feelings of embarrassment:

1. **Grounding Techniques**:
- Grounding techniques can provide a sense of stability and connection when you feel overwhelmed by the electrical sensation and startle response. Practice grounding exercises that engage your senses, such as focusing on your breath, noticing objects in your environment, or feeling the textures around you, to bring yourself back to the present moment and regulate your nervous system.

2. **Self-Compassion**:
- It's important to offer yourself **self-compassion** during these moments of intense startle responses. Remind yourself that it's a natural reaction, and everyone experiences startle responses differently. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, acknowledging that your body is reacting to perceived threats based on past experiences.

3. **Coping Strategies**:
- Experiment with additional **coping strategies** that may help regulate your physical sensations and emotional responses to being startled. Techniques such as **progressive muscle relaxation**, **visualization**, or **mindful breathing** exercises can support you in managing the intensity of the electrical feeling and reducing the associated embarrassment.

4. **Professional Support**:
- If these startle responses continue to be distressing and impact your daily functioning, consider seeking support from a mental health professional, such as a trauma therapist or counselor. They can help you explore the root causes of these responses, develop personalized coping strategies, and offer a safe space to process the emotional impact of these experiences.

By incorporating these strategies into your coping repertoire and prioritizing self-compassion and self-care, you can begin to address the challenges posed by intense startle responses and reduce feelings of embarrassment during these moments. Remember that it's okay to seek help and support when needed, and your experiences are valid and deserving of understanding and healing. How do you feel about exploring these personalized approaches to managing your startle responses and reducing feelings of embarrassment in these moments? What steps resonate with you as potential paths to cultivating a sense of calm, resilience, and self-compassion in the face of intense startle reactions?

They really aren’t that distressing, just annoying and I handle them as best as I can I was just curious because it always seems to talk about being jumpy or jumping when referring to the startle reflex, but for me personally I am unable to outwardly express it and it has more of a freeze effect.

Also, please stop mentioning grounding techniques- like I’ve said, I generally don’t find them useful when I’m already reacting to something but they can help to make a regular non-coping related practice of which I do

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

They really aren’t that distressing, just annoying and I handle them as best as I can I was just curious because it always seems to talk about being jumpy or jumping when referring to the startle reflex, but for me personally I am unable to outwardly express it and it has more of a freeze effect.

Also, please stop mentioning grounding techniques- like I’ve said, I generally don’t find them useful when I’m already reacting to something but they can help to make a regular non-coping related practice of which I do

I appreciate your sharing your experience of the startle response and how it manifests as a freeze effect rather than a visible jump or startle. It's important to recognize that responses to startle can vary greatly among individuals, and the freeze response is another common way that the body reacts to sudden surprises or threats. The freeze response involves a temporary pause or immobilization in response to perceived danger, serving as a protective mechanism to assess the situation and decide on the best course of action.

Understanding that your startle response includes a freeze effect can provide insight into how your body naturally reacts to surprises. This freeze response is valid and serves a protective function, allowing you to momentarily assess the situation before determining your next steps. It's a part of your body's innate survival responses and doesn't necessarily indicate distress, as you mentioned it's more of an annoyance than a source of significant distress for you.

Given your preference and feedback regarding grounding techniques, it's completely valid to focus on practices that resonate with you and support your well-being. It's great to hear that you find grounding techniques helpful in a non-coping-related context, and incorporating them into your regular self-care routine can be a valuable way to nurture your overall well-being.

As you navigate your unique startle response and the freeze effect that accompanies it, continue to explore what coping strategies and self-care practices work best for you in managing these moments. Your self-awareness and understanding of your responses are essential in developing a personalized toolkit for navigating surprises and enhancing your sense of resilience in various situations.

How do you feel about recognizing and honoring your freeze response as a natural part of your body's protective mechanisms in response to unexpected stimuli? Are there other strategies or techniques that you have found helpful in managing the annoyance of the startle response and supporting your well-being during these moments of surprise and temporary immobilization?

 

[Ellciott]

I appreciate your sharing your experience of the startle response and how it manifests as a freeze effect rather than a visible jump or startle. It's important to recognize that responses to startle can vary greatly among individuals, and the freeze response is another common way that the body reacts to sudden surprises or threats. The freeze response involves a temporary pause or immobilization in response to perceived danger, serving as a protective mechanism to assess the situation and decide on the best course of action.

Understanding that your startle response includes a freeze effect can provide insight into how your body naturally reacts to surprises. This freeze response is valid and serves a protective function, allowing you to momentarily assess the situation before determining your next steps. It's a part of your body's innate survival responses and doesn't necessarily indicate distress, as you mentioned it's more of an annoyance than a source of significant distress for you.

Given your preference and feedback regarding grounding techniques, it's completely valid to focus on practices that resonate with you and support your well-being. It's great to hear that you find grounding techniques helpful in a non-coping-related context, and incorporating them into your regular self-care routine can be a valuable way to nurture your overall well-being.

As you navigate your unique startle response and the freeze effect that accompanies it, continue to explore what coping strategies and self-care practices work best for you in managing these moments. Your self-awareness and understanding of your responses are essential in developing a personalized toolkit for navigating surprises and enhancing your sense of resilience in various situations.

How do you feel about recognizing and honoring your freeze response as a natural part of your body's protective mechanisms in response to unexpected stimuli? Are there other strategies or techniques that you have found helpful in managing the annoyance of the startle response and supporting your well-being during these moments of surprise and temporary immobilization?

Can being in any type or a certain type of trauma response cause you to feel colder than normal?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Can being in any type or a certain type of trauma response cause you to feel colder than normal?

Yes, experiencing certain types of trauma responses can indeed contribute to changes in your body's temperature regulation and lead to sensations of feeling colder than usual. Trauma responses, particularly those associated with **hyperarousal** or **dysregulated** nervous system activity, can impact various bodily functions, including thermoregulation, which is the body's ability to maintain a stable internal temperature.

Here are a few ways in which trauma responses may contribute to feeling colder than normal:

1. **Dysregulation of the Nervous System**:
- Trauma can lead to dysregulation of the **autonomic nervous system**, which controls functions like heart rate, breathing, and temperature regulation. In states of **hyperarousal**, where the body is on high alert due to perceived threats, there can be disruptions in temperature regulation that might result in feeling colder than usual.

2. **Hypervigilance** and **Stress**:
- **Hypervigilance** and ongoing stress associated with trauma can elevate levels of cortisol and adrenaline in the body, which may affect blood flow and circulation. This can potentially impact how the body perceives and regulates temperature, leading to sensations of coldness.

3. **Emotional Distress**:
- Psychological distress related to trauma can also influence physical sensations, including feeling cold. Emotional responses to trauma may trigger physiological changes that impact blood flow, muscle tension, and overall body temperature regulation.

It's important to note that individual responses to trauma can vary, and the impact on bodily functions, including temperature regulation, can be influenced by a range of factors such as past experiences, current stress levels, and individual physiological responses to stress and trauma.

If you are experiencing persistent feelings of being colder than usual alongside trauma-related symptoms or distress, it may be helpful to **consult** with a healthcare provider or mental health professional for a comprehensive evaluation. They can help assess the possible underlying causes of your symptoms, provide guidance on coping strategies, and offer support tailored to your specific needs.

How does this information resonate with your experiences, and have you noticed any correlations between trauma responses and changes in your perception of body temperature? If you're comfortable sharing, what steps have you taken to address these sensations and support your overall well-being in the context of trauma-related responses that may be impacting your physical experiences?

 

[Ellciott]

Yes, experiencing certain types of trauma responses can indeed contribute to changes in your body's temperature regulation and lead to sensations of feeling colder than usual. Trauma responses, particularly those associated with **hyperarousal** or **dysregulated** nervous system activity, can impact various bodily functions, including thermoregulation, which is the body's ability to maintain a stable internal temperature.

Here are a few ways in which trauma responses may contribute to feeling colder than normal:

1. **Dysregulation of the Nervous System**:
- Trauma can lead to dysregulation of the **autonomic nervous system**, which controls functions like heart rate, breathing, and temperature regulation. In states of **hyperarousal**, where the body is on high alert due to perceived threats, there can be disruptions in temperature regulation that might result in feeling colder than usual.

2. **Hypervigilance** and **Stress**:
- **Hypervigilance** and ongoing stress associated with trauma can elevate levels of cortisol and adrenaline in the body, which may affect blood flow and circulation. This can potentially impact how the body perceives and regulates temperature, leading to sensations of coldness.

3. **Emotional Distress**:
- Psychological distress related to trauma can also influence physical sensations, including feeling cold. Emotional responses to trauma may trigger physiological changes that impact blood flow, muscle tension, and overall body temperature regulation.

It's important to note that individual responses to trauma can vary, and the impact on bodily functions, including temperature regulation, can be influenced by a range of factors such as past experiences, current stress levels, and individual physiological responses to stress and trauma.

If you are experiencing persistent feelings of being colder than usual alongside trauma-related symptoms or distress, it may be helpful to **consult** with a healthcare provider or mental health professional for a comprehensive evaluation. They can help assess the possible underlying causes of your symptoms, provide guidance on coping strategies, and offer support tailored to your specific needs.

How does this information resonate with your experiences, and have you noticed any correlations between trauma responses and changes in your perception of body temperature? If you're comfortable sharing, what steps have you taken to address these sensations and support your overall well-being in the context of trauma-related responses that may be impacting your physical experiences?

Lately I’ve been feeling incredibly fatigued and chilly. I’m not sick, I haven’t changed anything with my diet, I don’t sleep well as it is but that hasn’t changed and I’m much much more fatigued than usual. The only thing that’s changed is an incredibly triggering on-going situation at work

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Lately I’ve been feeling incredibly fatigued and chilly. I’m not sick, I haven’t changed anything with my diet, I don’t sleep well as it is but that hasn’t changed and I’m much much more fatigued than usual. The only thing that’s changed is an incredibly triggering on-going situation at work

I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing increased fatigue and feelings of chilliness, especially in the context of an ongoing triggering situation at work. It's important to recognize the potential impact of **stress** and **emotional distress** on your physical well-being, including symptoms like fatigue and changes in body temperature regulation. Here are a few ways in which workplace stress and ongoing triggers may be contributing to your current physical and emotional experiences:

1. **Stress Response**:
- Chronic stress, whether related to work dynamics, interpersonal conflicts, or triggering situations, can activate your body's **stress response** system, leading to increased levels of cortisol and adrenaline. Prolonged activation of the stress response can contribute to fatigue, fluctuations in body temperature, and disruptions in sleep patterns, even if you haven't made changes to your diet or sleep routine.

2. **Emotional Exhaustion**:
- Protracted exposure to triggering situations, such as those in the workplace, can result in **emotional exhaustion** and burnout symptoms. Emotional fatigue can manifest as increased feelings of tiredness, reduced energy levels, and difficulty in managing daily tasks effectively.

3. **Sleep Disturbances**:
- While you mention that you already don't sleep well, heightened stress levels and emotional distress can exacerbate existing **sleep disturbances** and impact the quality of your rest. Poor sleep quality can further contribute to feelings of fatigue, irritability, and challenges in regulating body temperature.

Given the connection between your heightened fatigue, increased chilliness, and the triggering situation at work, it may be beneficial to consider implementing **self-care** practices and **stress-management** strategies to support your well-being. Prioritizing **regular breaks**, engaging in **physical activity**, practicing **mindfulness** or **meditation**, and seeking **emotional support** can be valuable steps in mitigating the impact of workplace stress on your physical and emotional health.

Additionally, if the symptoms persist or become concerning, I recommend considering consulting with a **healthcare provider** or **mental health professional** for a comprehensive evaluation. They can help assess your symptoms, offer guidance on coping strategies, and provide support tailored to your unique needs and experiences.

How do you feel about exploring self-care practices and stress-management strategies to address the fatigue and chilliness you've been experiencing in response to the triggering situation at work? What steps resonate with you as potential ways to prioritize your well-being and navigate the impact of workplace stress on your physical and emotional health during this challenging time?