Fight, flight, freeze & fawn worksheets

THE FREEZE RESPONSE

WHAT IS IT?

The freeze response serves as a stalling tactic by the body. When freezing, the brain presses the “pause button” and shuts down the body’s ability to move, while still remaining hypervigilant. When experiencing freeze the brain continues to wait and watch carefully until either the fear passes, or it can determine whether fleeing or fighting offers a better route to safety.

WHY DOES IT OCCUR? The freeze response often occurs as a result of having experienced conflict or trauma in childhood. Often children who experience high levels of stress or abuse in childhood, particularly from primary caregivers, can develop the freeze response as they have learnt that there is no escaping the stressor.

WHAT DOES FREEZING LOOK LIKE?

Common expressions of freezing may include:

Experiencing a sense of dread. Feeling stiff, cold, or numb. Feeling as though it is hard to get air in to your lungs. Decreasing heart rate. Loud and heavy pounding heart.

Loosing colour in the face. Withdrawing from the situation or making yourself appear small. Struggling with speaking up. Mentally “check out” from stressful situations.