Stress can paralyze a person — why the body suddenly freezes

The article explains that in response to severe stress, a person may experience a third reaction option — freezing, in addition to the well-known 'fight or flight'. When the brain perceives a threat but sees no opportunity to resist or flee, the nervous system enters a state of numbness. The person stops speaking, moving, and showing emotions, which may appear as calmness from the outside. Internal tension remains high. This state can be accompanied by difficulty concentrating, feelings of detachment, and dissociation. The mechanism may form in childhood if expressing emotions was unsafe, and persist into adulthood, triggering even without a real threat. Simple actions aimed at the body and surroundings help to exit this state. If episodes recur regularly, it is recommended to consult a specialist.

The article explains that in response to severe stress, a person may experience a third reaction option — freezing, in addition to the well-known 'fight or flight'. When the brain perceives a threat but sees no opportunity to resist or flee, the nervous system enters a state of numbness. The person stops speaking, moving, and showing emotions, which may appear as calmness from the outside. Internal tension remains high. This state can be accompanied by difficulty concentrating, feelings of detachment, and dissociation. The mechanism may form in childhood if expressing emotions was unsafe, and persist into adulthood, triggering even without a real threat. Simple actions aimed at the body and surroundings help to exit this state. If episodes recur regularly, it is recommended to consult a specialist.

Stress can paralyze a person — why the body suddenly freezes