Career Crossroads: Accelerate to make up for lost time, or reframe?

Part 1: The Unseen Struggle

Priya: "I'm stuck in my career. I want to make up for lost time, but I'm done with disconnected parenting. We worked so hard for this child."

Me: "How was your birth experience?"

Priya: "Rough. Emergency C-section, NICU stay, breastfeeding struggles."

Me: "What feels like career indecision might actually be birth trauma. It's not just 'baby blues' or postpartum depression."

Priya: "But it's been so many years. Shouldn't I be over it?"

Me: "Birth trauma can last years if untreated. It's like your body's stuck running a marathon with no finish line."

Part 2: The Exhaustion Explained

Priya: "Is that why I'm always so tired?"

Me: "Exactly. Your adrenal system is on constant high alert."

Priya: "But I'm not in danger now."

Me: "Your body doesn't know that. It keeps pumping out stress hormones."

Priya: "So that's why I feel totally out of gas?"

Me: "Right. It's like driving with the pedal to the floor, all day, every day."

Part 3: Trauma, Privilege, and Guilt

Priya: "But can I claim trauma? I'm living the immigrant dream—startup CEO, house, cars, healthy babies, fundraising."

Me: "Trauma isn't a competition. Your experience is valid."

Priya: "My mom and sister have been through worse. They should be allowed trauma, not me."

Me: "Privilege and trauma can coexist. Your success doesn't negate your experiences."

Priya: "I've been feeling guilty for struggling when I 'should' be happy."

Me: "That guilt is common, but not helpful. Your healing doesn't come at the cost of others'."

Part 4: The Physical Reality of Trauma

Me: "Trauma is a chronically dysregulated nervous system. What have you been experiencing?"

Priya: "Nightmares, constantly checking on my child, trouble trusting other parents. I get angry seeing births on TV and panic at antiseptic smells. I can't even drive by the hospital."

Me: "Those are all valid trauma responses."

Priya: "But how does this affect my work?"

Me: "The hypervigilance doesn't stay at home. At work, it might show up as difficulty trusting others or delegating tasks."

Priya: "That's true. I'm always double-checking everything. Looking over my shoulder. Reading between lines. One foot out the door."

Part 5: The Path to Healing

Priya: "So what can I do? I can't keep living like this."

Me: "Let's first help your body find safety.

Then, we'll work on calming your adrenal system and processing the traumatic events."

Priya: "How?"

Me: "Through nervous system regulation and somatic techniques that help your body understand the danger has passed. As your nervous system regulates, you'll find it easier to "stand down" and trust and build relationships - at home and work."

Priya: "That sounds hopeful. I've been feeling so stuck."

Me: "Ready to reclaim your energy and redefine success on your terms?"

Priya: "Yes, I think I really am."

Me: "Great. Let's start your healing journey - honoring both your achievements and struggles."

I am Sangheetha, I am a nervous system coach for Indian-origin women execs and CEOs.

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