Protection Mode

Protection mode activates when the nervous system detects potential threat. It's not fight-or-flight yet — it's the state just before. Walls go up, but they can come down.

In this state: - Empathy is still available, but narrowed - We become more focused on self-protection - Flexibility decreases - We might withdraw, get quiet, or become guarded - Recovery is still possible with time and safety

This is a normal, healthy response. Everyone visits protection mode. The question is whether we get stuck here — or can move back toward connection when the threat passes.