The Freeze Response: What It Is and How to Help
The freeze response is a survival mechanism that can occur when someone experiences a traumatic event. Various stressors, including physical threats, emotional trauma, and psychological stress can trigger this response. When the freeze response is activated, the person may feel as though they are unable to move or escape from the situation.
What is the Freeze Response?
The freeze response is a natural and instinctive response that occurs when someone is in danger. It's a survival mechanism that can be triggered when the body perceives a threat to its safety.
When the freeze response is activated, the person may feel paralyzed, as though they cannot move or escape from the situation. Feelings of fear, anxiety, and helplessness often accompany this response.
What Does It Feel Like to be Frozen?
When someone is frozen, they may feel like they cannot move or escape from a situation. They may feel paralyzed and powerless, as though they are stuck in place. Additionally, they may experience physical symptoms, such as increased heart rate, shallow breathing, and sweating. The person may also feel intense fear, anxiety, and helplessness, as though they can't protect themselves from harm.
What Can You Expect When Interacting with Someone Who is Frozen?
If you're interacting with someone frozen, you might notice a few things. Some of the things you might notice include:
Stiffness or rigidity: The person may seem stiff or rigid, as though they can't move or escape from the situation.
Inability to speak or move: The person may seem unable to speak or move, as though they are paralyzed.
Increased anxiety or fear: The person may appear more anxious or fearful, especially if they feel threatened.
Dissociation: The person may appear detached or disconnected from their surroundings, as though they are in shock.
How Can You Help Someone Who is Frozen?
If you're interacting with someone who's frozen, there are a few things you can do to help them feel more secure and supported:
Create a safe space: Encourage them to step away from the situation or remove themselves from the source of their stress. Create a calming environment by offering them a glass of water, finding them a quiet place to sit, or simply holding space for them to be.
Validate their feelings: Let them know that it's okay to feel overwhelmed and that their feelings are valid. This can help them feel heard and understood, reducing their stress levels.
Encourage self-care: Offer them suggestions for self-care activities that can help them feel more centered and calm, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or a warm bath.
Help them process: If they're feeling overwhelmed, help them process what they're feeling by encouraging them to talk about their experience and feelings. This can help them begin to work through the emotions they are experiencing and can help them feel more in control of the situation.
It's important to remember that everyone reacts differently to stress and traumatic events. Some people may experience the freeze response, while others may experience the fight or flight response. Regardless of which response a person experiences, it's important to offer them support and care and to validate their feelings and experiences.
Want to know more about the body’s stress/trauma responses? Read the posts about the fight, flight, and fawn responses.
If you recognize yourself in this post and want to make changes, take control of your situation and schedule a free consultation today. Robin will work with you to develop a personalized plan that addresses your unique needs and helps you feel more secure and empowered.