Have you ever noticed that when everything finally gets quiet, your body can’t relax? For many trauma survivors, calm doesn’t feel safe — it feels like something’s about to go wrong. This article explores why rest can trigger anxiety, how hypervigilance keeps the body on alert, and gentle ways to teach your nervous system that it’s okay to exhale again.

Sharing your triggers with loved ones is an act of courage and self-advocacy. This guide offers a compassionate framework for explaining how trauma responses show up, communicating your needs clearly, and building deeper understanding in your relationships—without shame or overwhelm.