08/10/2025
Functional freeze is very real and just one type of shutdown state. Functional freeze is harder to identify at times, because essentially, someone in this state is still functioning (to some degree).
They’re showing up to work, looking after the kids, doing all the things. But inside, they’ve disassociated and zoned out, they can be stuck overthinking, feeling overwhelmed and often a sense of helpless.
You can’t you your way out of shutdown or functional freeze. This is our oldest form of self protection, which is to preserve as much of our life as we can while essentially submitting to the (real or perceived) threat.
💚 Gentleness is needed along with time and space.
🌤️ Warmth and heat may help.
🫂 Connection with others.
👀 Noticing sensations to bring one back into the here and now - textures, smells, sight, taste and sound.
🧍♀️Move from lying to sitting, or sitting to standing, supporting your body in standing tall and strong, to reclaim yourself.
⛺️A return to base camp; where you can reconnect with yourself, rediscover joy and gradually shift your way out of this state.