#110 Why You Feel Wired But Exhausted | Trauma & Stress Hormones

#110 Why You Feel Wired But Exhausted | Trauma & Stress Hormones

The Trauma Recovery School

Explore why trauma makes you feel wired yet exhausted and learn how to break free from this exhausting stress hormone loop with Bonita Ackerman du Preez.

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3:1123 Mar 2026

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Wired but Exhausted: Understanding Trauma's Toll

Episode Overview

  • Trauma can create a stress hormone loop, keeping the body in constant alert.
  • The brain releases adrenaline and cortisol as if danger is always present.
  • Understanding your nervous system is crucial for starting recovery.
  • The body can relearn safety, reducing stress responses over time.
  • A structured process helps individuals move out of survival mode.
"Your body is using huge amounts of energy staying prepared for a threat that isn't there."

What drives someone to feel both wired and exhausted? This episode of The Trauma Recovery School tackles the puzzling state many trauma survivors find themselves in—constantly on edge yet perpetually tired. Bonita Ackerman du Preez, a master trauma recovery therapist, delves into the biological roots of this phenomenon. She explains how trauma can trick the brain into a perpetual stress hormone loop, releasing adrenaline and cortisol as if danger lurks around every corner.

This continuous state of alertness drains energy, leaving one feeling exhausted. Bonita sheds light on how these stress responses are more than just emotional—they're deeply biological. She reassures listeners that their brains aren't malfunctioning; they're overprotective, reacting to non-threatening situations as if they're life-threatening. But there's hope! Bonita emphasises that the brain and body can relearn safety, reducing the stress response and restoring energy levels.

For those resonating with this experience, understanding the nervous system's actions is the first step towards healing. Bonita shares insights into a structured process that guides individuals out of survival mode, helping them reclaim their energy and sense of safety. The episode is a compassionate guide for anyone feeling trapped in their trauma, offering not just understanding but also a pathway to recovery. Curious about how your body's stress response works?

Tune in to learn how you can shift from survival mode to a life of safety and energy.

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