The Freeze Stress Response: Why You Go Deer in the Headlights

When people react with the freeze stress response, their mind temporarily shuts down in the face of a perceived threat. Instead of attacking or running away as in the fight-or-flight response, they feel blank and stuck, unable to think clearly and sometimes even unable to physically move. 

The Four Fs Response to Stress and Trauma

Most people are familiar with the term fight-or-flight, which describes two automatic ways the mind and body react to perceived danger. When a threat is detected, the nervous system prepares either to confront it (fight) or to escape it (flight).

Over time, it has become clear that people also respond to stress in other automatic ways. In addition to fight and flight, common stress responses include freeze and fawn.

People may rely heavily on one of these reactions to stress or shift between different responses depending on the situation, emotional triggers, and past experiences.

These reactions don't require real or immediate danger. The nervous system only needs to interpret something as threatening for the stress response mechanism to engage.

What is the Freeze Response to Stress and Trauma?

The freeze response is characterized by an inability to move or take action in the face of a threat. This "deer in the headlights" reaction involves becoming immobile (literally or figuratively), dazed, and confused.

Freeze physical and mental signs can include:

• Feeling stiff, stuck, or paralyzed
• Numbness or inability to move
• Increased or decreased heart rate
• Shallow breathing
• Feeling detached from the situation
• Mental confusion and inability to focus or think clearly
• Trouble speaking
• Difficulty taking action

These are some possible automatic freeze reactions. Not all of these signs appear in every situation, and individual responses will vary depending on the person and the perceived threat.

Examples of Freeze Stress or Trauma Reactions

Examples of "Freeze" Stress or Trauma Reaction

The freeze response to stress and trauma can be good or bad, depending on the reaction and circumstances.

Encountering a Wild Animal: Coming face-to-face with a dangerous animal and being unable to move.

Conflict with a Loved One: Being unable to think clearly, respond, or defend yourself during a heated argument with a family member or partner.

Receiving Bad News: Hearing devastating news and being unable to react or process the information, remaining silent and still.

Experiencing a Flashback: Being triggered by a past traumatic event and feeling mentally frozen, unable to engage with the present moment.

Public Speaking Anxiety: Standing in front of an audience and being unable to start or continue speaking.

Social Gatherings: Feeling stuck and unable to move or interact with others in a crowded room, despite wanting to engage.

Pressure from Deadlines: Feeling overwhelmed by an impending deadline and being unable to start or continue working.

Test Anxiety: Knowing answers to questions but going blank during the test. 

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