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Functional Freeze: Feeling Stuck but Not Depressed
Functional freeze refers to a mild-to-moderate version of the nervous system’s freeze response. When the brain perceives threat that feels inescapable or overwhelming, it can activate a shutdown response rather than fight-or-flight.¹
In acute danger, freeze helps conserve energy and increase survival. In modern life, however, freeze can activate in response to chronic stress, pressure, or prolonged overwhelm.
Dr. Gabrielle Schreyer-Hoffman
Mar 3
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