Childhood Stress Becomes a Nervous System Pattern—And Why It Can Make You Sick
What Is the Developmental Model of Stress?
Developed by Fauver, Clark, and Schwartz (2024), this model suggests that chronic illness and emotional suffering often stem from the developmental environment—not just isolated life events. It links nervous system dysregulation to relational threat in early life, such as:
Emotional neglect or inconsistency
Having to stay “good” to stay safe
Being overly responsible from a young age
Suppressing emotions to avoid rejection
Fawning or freezing in response to conflict
They are learned biological responses to threat and disconnection. Over time, these patterns become default modes in the autonomic nervous system—eventually showing up as chronic stress, anxiety, autoimmune illness, or functional neurological symptoms
The Invisible Burden: What MS Really Is—and Why Women Need a New Narrative”
Discover how allostatic load—the biological toll of chronic stress—drives burnout, fatigue, and chronic illness. Learn the science behind shutdown and how somatic healing can help.
People-Pleasing, Allostatic Load & the Silent Burnout Behind MS and FND
Discover how allostatic load—the biological toll of chronic stress—drives burnout, fatigue, and chronic illness. Learn the science behind shutdown and how somatic healing can help.
Somatic Psychotherapy for Healing The Nervous System
Somatic Psychotherapy is not just talk therapy—it’s a body-led path to healing trauma, nervous system dysregulation, and chronic stress. Learn how survival responses like fawn and freeze can be gently rewired through breath, regulation, and embodied presence. This blog is part of the Somatic Illness & Survival Series—offering women a grounded, powerful path home to safety and self-expression.