Functional Freeze Response

Does your child present any of these behaviours? And have you been wondering what’s causing them to feel this way? 

Wonder no more! All these behaviours are trauma response and triggered by the Fight, Flight, or Freeze response! Your child is probably struggling with anxiety and “stuck” in freeze mode. 

But what is the freeze mode? Freeze mode is the body’s silent response to threat, whether this is real, a memory, or just imaginary.  

In psychological responses to stress and trauma, the fight-or-flight reaction is widely recognized. However, there is a third, often overlooked response known as "freeze mode." This involuntary reaction, rooted deeply in our evolutionary past, plays a crucial role in how humans cope with extreme stress and elevated levels of anxiety. 

Freeze mode is a survival mechanism where the body and mind become immobilized in response to a perceived threat. However, when the mind can’t disconnect from the threat experienced and the racing thoughts become more intensive, one gets trapped in what we call the “functional freezing of the nervous system". This is the physiological state activated when our system deems that we cannot fight or flee from a threat. Now, considering that for most of our young people, the trigger for anxiety happens in school (peer pressure, bullying, fear of failure, etc.), it is easy to understand why the body goes into freeze mode instead of fighting or fleeing the place in the first instance!

Unlike the more active responses of fighting or fleeing, freezing involves a state of temporary paralysis, where the individual becomes still and unresponsive, and it can also lead to making one feel "emotionally stuck." It's as if energy and motivation simply vanish, leaving the body in a silent battle for survival. Simple tasks, like taking a shower, or doing their homework can seem extremely difficult as the body simply doesn’t have the energy.

This causes the person to get caught in a cycle of procrastination, unable to take the first step. The internal struggle becomes even more intense when they feel ashamed leading them to feel confused and embarrassed for not being able to do basic tasks. The feeling of not being in control in the face of this "freezing" state can increase self-criticism, leading to negative thoughts and a depressive state.

Moreover, functional freeze mode can be difficult to identify because it’s not always obvious. On the outside, someone might look like they’re doing fine, but inside, they’re stuck. For instance, they might be able to get through their daily or school tasks but find basic self-care really hard after getting home. Or they might handle the essentials like eating and sleeping, but still feel mentally frozen.

The Evolutionary Perspective 

From an evolutionary standpoint, freeze mode is a survival strategy seen in many animals. When fighting or fleeing isn't possible, staying completely still can help avoid detection by predators. This same response has carried over to humans and can kick in during moments of extreme fear, anxiety, or trauma. Instead of running or fighting, our bodies and minds sometimes just "freeze," hoping to avoid further harm. This ancient response might not always fit modern situations, but it’s a deeply ingrained reaction to perceived danger. 

Now, let us think of a modern situation that might cause someone to go into freeze mode. A child who is bullied at school might freeze when facing their bullies because fighting or fleeing doesn’t seem like an option, so they stay still to avoid confrontation. The issue is that, unlike in ancient times, the "predators" (the bullies) don’t go away; they are present every day, making the threat constant and preventing the child from feeling safe.

 Physiological Mechanisms 

Freeze response, just like fight or flight, is an involuntary bodily reaction, meaning the body decides that freezing is the best way to deal with a threat without the person consciously making this decision. During freeze mode, the body undergoes several physiological changes such as a significant decrease of heart rate, shallow respiration, and muscle tension, or muscles may go limp. This state can also involve a sense of detachment from reality, often described as dissociation, or an exacerbated fear, leading to panic attacks. 

These reactions are driven by the release of specific neurotransmitters and hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare the body to endure prolonged stress. Prolonged freeze mode leads to a hormonal imbalance, causing various physical sensations and preventing the mind from disconnecting. This excess of hormones fuels worrisome thoughts, heightening anxiety and impairing the ability to process information or make even simple decisions. Can you understand now why your child is behaving the way they do? 

Psychological Implications 

Experiencing freeze mode can have profound psychological effects. While it may offer short-term protection in threatening situations, repeated or prolonged exposure to such stress can contribute to various mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). People who experience freeze mode for a prolonged time may struggle with feelings of helplessness and depression as they feel completely powerless to overcome the situation. 

We often think of the freeze response as inaction, but in truth, this is the brain’s most desperate attempt for survival. We have to remember that this response is hardwired into our brain’s survival centre as an evolutionary step that has kept us safe for thousands of years!  

Coping and Treatment 

It's important to understand that this state is not just a lack of willpower or laziness. It is the result of a combination of feelings, thoughts, and even biological factors.  

The first step is to understand and identify what is causing this response. As the person gains a better understanding of what is happening to them, they can gradually begin to recover energy and motivation. But this process requires patience and kindness towards oneself. Remembering that the main goal is to feel good and to manage the situation can be a light at the end of the tunnel to overcome this "freezing" and emerge stronger and more resilient on the other side. 

Addressing the freeze response involves both psychological and physical strategies, and having someone to talk and to guide them to identify, understand, and embrace the problem is key.  

Somatic exercises, which are mindful movements designed to increase body awareness, release muscle tension, and promote relaxation can also be extremely helpful. These exercises focus on the mind-body connection, encouraging the person to tune into their sensations and movements and often incorporate gentle, slow movements and breath work to help release muscular tension and trapped emotions. An example of a somatic exercise is dancing, but in the context of using body movements, ranging from subtle to dynamic, as a form of nonverbal communication and self-expression. This must be spontaneous to allow freedom of expression! You can encourage somatic exercises by playing music, lowering the lights, and inviting your child to join you in moving with the music as you feel it. Try to hum the music while dancing- it will work wonders! 

Mindfulness and grounding techniques are also beneficial in helping a person to stay connected to the present moment and reduce the likelihood of entering a freeze state. You can encourage mindfulness by going for a walk without electronic devices and focus on how many birds you can see, how many sounds you can hear, or simply by observing your surroundings and the feelings you experience! As for grounding, try a walk in the park, barefoot on surfaces like grass or sand! 

Breathing exercises also play a huge role in regulating our nervous system. You can encourage your child to try different breathing techniques to see which one works better. You can start with the breathing box exercise or the alternate nostril breathing as these are easy to follow! 

There are many ways to help your child in overcoming the immobilizing grip of freeze mode, but recovery takes time and needs the right support! If your child is suffering with anxiety and you believe that they may be “stuck” and living in functional freeze mode, don’t wait for it to get worse! Seek professional help so your child can live more fully and freely, and have the childhood they deserve.