Have you ever wondered: Am I always in a trauma response? Is everything I feel just about my past? If so, you’re not alone and you’re not wrong for asking.
Today we break down the differences between trauma brain, nervous system dysregulation, and normal emotional responses.
When you’ve survived a narcissistic or emotionally limited mother, it’s easy to feel like every reaction you have is suspect. But healing isn’t about becoming unbothered. It's about knowing what deserves to bother you.
We also explore why some daughters feel overwhelmed by being chosen, even as they grieve the pain of being left. Whether it’s friendship, dating, or family relationships, many daughters of narcissistic mothers carry deep nervous system patterns that can make connection feel confusing or unsafe.
In this episode, you’ll learn: The difference between trauma brain and dysregulation, and why knowing the distinction matters Why not every reaction, frustration, or irritation is a trauma response. You'll learn how your nervous system protects you, even when there’s no immediate danger, and what to do when being wanted makes you shut down.
We'll also touch on how to tell if your response is about the moment or about memory.
And lastly, we'll explore how healing means you get to choose what matters to you instead of defaulting to what your trauma tells you should
We cover key trauma-informed themes like:
Nervous system regulation and trauma responses
Self-trust vs. over-pathologizing
How daughters of narcissistic mothers respond to intimacy and belonging
Feeling "too much" or "too sensitive" after trauma
Why grief, loss, and closeness can coexist
This episode is for you if:
You’re tired of feeling like your trauma explains everything You want to stop spinning when people pull away or lean in You’re learning how to hear your wise mind instead of only your trauma brain
Mentioned in this episode:
Mayhem Daughters, our online community for daughters
Simple Scripts for Saying Hard Things
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On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!