When people think about stress, they often picture the body preparing to fight or to flee. Yet in moments of intense fear or threat, a third response can occur. The body freezes. This reaction, often described as the “freeze response” is part of the natural survival system that has evolved to protect us from danger.
In this state, the body and mind enter temporary stillness. Heart rate slows, breathing becomes shallow, and movement may stop altogether. From the outside, a person might seem detached or unresponsive. Inside, however, the nervous system is working to keep them safe by conserving energy and reducing awareness of pain or panic. The mind pauses not out of weakness, but because it senses that stillness might offer the best chance of survival.
This response is regulated by a part of the nervous system called the dorsal vagal complex, which is linked to the parasympathetic branch that helps the body calm down after stress. When the brain perceives danger that cannot be escaped, it may trigger this freeze or “shutdown” state. The amygdala signals threat, while the prefrontal cortex (the part responsible for reasoning) loses temporary control. The result is an instinctive, protective reaction that can look like paralysis or emotional numbness.
Unfortunately, this natural process is often misunderstood. In workplaces, classrooms, or relationships, a person who shuts down can be labelled as unmotivated, distant, or stubborn. In reality, they may be experiencing a “nervous system overload“. Recognising the freeze response as a biological mechanism rather than a behavioural choice allows for more compassion and understanding.
Recovery from this state depends on restoring a sense of safety. Forcing someone to engage before they are ready can worsen distress. Simple grounding techniques, such as slow breathing or sensory focus, help reawaken the body’s connection to the present moment. Gentle, supportive company also sends cues of safety, helping the nervous system shift back into balance.
Those who experience trauma or prolonged stress are often more prone to this reaction. In high-pressure environments such as law, healthcare, or politics, the freeze response can occur when constant vigilance overwhelms the body’s coping capacity. Recognising this pattern allows individuals to respond with care rather than self-criticism.
Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy, EMDR, and somatic-based treatments can help people understand and regulate these automatic responses. With time and practice, individuals can learn to notice the early signs of overwhelm and apply techniques that restore control.
Stillness is often mistaken for surrender, yet it is one of the body’s oldest survival tools. In moments of extreme stress, the mind does not fail; it protects. When the environment becomes safe again, awareness and energy naturally return. Understanding this process allows us to respond to ourselves and others not with judgement, but with empathy.
Marie Danielle Selvon is a barrister-at-law and researcher in behavioural neuroscience who studies stress, trauma, and resilience. She advocates for trauma-informed understanding across law, policy, and psychology.
