WHY DO I FREEZE UNDER PRESSURE?

Why Do I Freeze Under Pressure?

Why Do I Freeze Under Pressure?

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Have you ever found yourself bottling up when the stakes are high? You're not alone! It's a universal experience known as pressure stage fright. Our brains can frequently go into overdrive under stress, making it difficult to think clearly and perform at our best. This can lead to feelings of discomfort, which can further exacerbate the situation.

Understanding why this takes place is the first step towards managing it. There are several factors that contribute to pressure stage fright, including genetics, personality traits, and past experiences.

Comprehending the Freeze Response: A Survival Mechanism

The freeze response is/represents/constitutes a primal physiological/automatic/instinctive reaction to/in the face of/during perceived threats/dangers/perils. It's an ancient/innate/fundamental mechanism embedded/hardwired/programmed into our nervous system/biology/being that serves as a defense/preservation/self-protection strategy. In situations/instances/scenarios where flight or fight aren't feasible/viable/possible, the freeze response kicks in/activates/takes hold, effectively pausing/freezing/immobilizing our actions/movements/capabilities.

While often perceived/regarded/considered as a sign of fear/terror/panic, it's crucial to recognize/understand/appreciate the freeze response as a survival/protective/adaptive mechanism, designed to help/shield/preserve us CPTSD from harm/injury/danger.

It's important to note that the freeze response can manifest differently/variedly/uniquely in individuals/people/persons. Some/Certain/Specific may experience/feel/encounter a complete shutdown/stillness/paralysis, while others/different individuals/some people may display/show/manifest subtle changes/variations/indications like muscle tension/increased heart rate/shallow breathing.

Trauma and the Freeze Response: Breaking Free from Paralysis

The freeze/immobilization/shutdown response is a primal mechanism/reaction/survival tactic that kicks in during moments of intense danger/fear/threat. While essential for immediate/short-term/rapid safety, when triggered by past/recent/ongoing trauma, it can lead to a sense/feeling/state of being stuck/paralyzed/frozen in life. This persistent immobility/inaction/unresponsiveness can manifest as difficulty/struggles/challenges with emotions/relationships/daily functioning, creating a cycle/pattern/trap that hampers/hinders/obstructs healing and growth.

  • Understanding/Recognizing/Acknowledging the freeze response as a symptom/reaction/manifestation of trauma is the first/initial/crucial step in breaking free/overcoming paralysis/liberating oneself.
  • Therapy/Healing modalities/Specialized treatment can provide a safe/supportive/nurturing space to process/work through/address the roots/origins/foundation of trauma, facilitating/enabling/promoting a shift from frozen/immobilized/stuck to responsive/engaged/empowered.
  • Mindfulness practices/Self-compassion/Grounding techniques can help regulate/manage/calm the nervous system, cultivating/building/strengthening awareness/presence/connection in the present moment.

Recognizing the Signs: Symptoms of the Freeze Response

When faced with a perceived threat, our bodies sometimes react by entering a state of “freeze.” This is a survival mechanism designed to help us avoid danger by becoming immobile and undetectable. However this response can be beneficial in certain situations, prolonged or frequent freezing can have negative effects on our mental and emotional well-being. Recognizing the signs of a freeze response is crucial for understanding how to manage it effectively.

Many common symptoms include: feeling paralyzed or unable to move, experiencing shortness of breath or rapid heartbeat, having difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly, feeling disconnected from your body or surroundings, and having intense fear or anxiety that feels overwhelming. If you find yourself frequently experiencing these symptoms, it's important to seek professional help.

How Stress Impacts Your Body

When undergoing stressful situations, our bodies instinctively activate a reaction known as the fight-or-flight response. This physiological chain of events triggers a surge in hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, preparing us to handle the perceived danger.

Despite this, when stress becomes chronic or overwhelming, these physiological adaptations can have detrimental consequences for our well-being.

Prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol can weaken the immune system, making us more prone to illness. It can also affect sleep patterns, contribute to blood pressure, and harmfully impact mood and cognitive function.

As a result, understanding the science behind freezing and how stress impacts our bodies is crucial for coping with stress and promoting overall health and well-being.

Overcoming Freeze

Feeling stuck in a freeze? It's a common experience that can hinder our progress. But the good news is, you can shatter this barrier. The key is to develop strategies that help you transform from a state of paralysis to one of action.

Here are some steps to guide you:

  • Accept the freeze as a natural response.
  • Challenge your negative thoughts and beliefs.
  • Focus on manageable tasks
  • Practice mindfulness
  • Seek support

Remember, breaking through freeze takes time and persistence. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, and keep moving toward your goals.

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