08/21/2026
After experiencing a traumatic event or living through highly stressful time periods, some people do not feel consistently anxious or consistently depressed. They move between the two.
There may be periods of feeling tense, vigilant, restless, and unable to slow down, followed by periods when the energy disappears. Motivation drops, withdrawal increases, and connection to people or activities becomes harder to access.
From the outside, this can look inconsistent. Internally, it may reflect a nervous system moving between activation and shutdown.
Hyperarousal helps prepare for danger. Hypoarousal reduces engagement when sustained stress becomes too much to maintain. Trauma does not explain every experience of anxiety or depression, but recognizing these two directions can make seemingly contradictory symptoms more understandable.
Learn more at the link below 👇
https://www.neuronuancetherapyandemdr.com/trauma-driven-depression-and-anxiety
This educational resource comes from Neuro Nuance Therapy and EMDR, an Austin practice providing EMDR therapy for adults with trauma-related concerns. We offer in-person appointments in North and Southwest Austin, telehealth across Texas, and free 15-minute consultations through online scheduling.