What is functional freeze mode?

We often talk about fight-flight-freeze-fawn and their role when our nervous system is activated by a potential threat. Traditionally, these states were activated when we were in potential danger, but now they can also be activated by long term stress, overwhelm and exhaustion which is not managed. We discuss how, in these states, we can find ourselves reacting in more enhanced or extreme ways. However, we less frequently talk about what happens when we are stuck in more functional states.

When we enter a FREEZE response, our body’s central nervous system shuts down, or becomes numb, in order to prepare with the anticipated incoming ‘attack’. This may be in sight of confrontation, arguments, conflict or extreme inconsistencies. This leaves us in a state of dissociation, feeling numb or detached, which generally lifts once the stressor has gone and we have time to decompress (thaw out).

However, for some, if the state of threat does not abate, they can find themselves entering a state of functional freeze. Functional freeze mode occurs when we have been in a state of activation for so long, that we learn to function despite being in a state of activation. We may be able to complete day to day tasks, such as going to school/work, engaging with friends, socialising or going out, attending events or clubs and maintaining daily routines, but feeling that something is ‘different’. However, functional freeze can be difficult for those around us to notice, as so much of it is internal.

Signs can include (please note, this is not a diagnosis):

• Feeling ‘tired’ but ‘wired’ simultaneously
• Feeling consistently disconnected when around others
• Ongoing sense of anxiety, or feeling of dread
• Feeling overwhelmed by people, needing to disconnect and take a break
• Finding it difficulty managing self-care
• Difficulty motivating yourself for day to day tasks
• Finding it difficult to make choices e.g. feeling tired, but not going to bed, hungry but cannot choose what to eat
• Procrastinating about starting new things
• Feeling overwhelmed by starting something new
• Feeling that your body is heavy, and movement is hard work
• Difficulty connecting to feelings
• Feeling hyperaware of small changes and environmental shifts
• Difficulty concentrating on tasks
• A sense of being ‘stuck’ or that life is moving without you

Supporting the nervous system

Moving out of functional freeze, is not an overnight action, it takes time and consistency in embedding supportive activity. For some, a course of therapy may be required should this have been activated by childhood trauma:

• Time in nature, daylight and fresh air
• Balanced diet
• Light exercise
• Reducing time on tech (which overstimulates the nervous system)
• A regular sleep routine, and enough sleep
• Managing stress and commitments
• Vagal breathing techniques (breathe out for longer than you breathe in)
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Laughter, humming and gargling

Want to learn more? 

Would you like to deliver emotional literacy interventions in your work? Our Level 3 Emotional Literacy Mentor qualification takes you through the theory and practice to deliver emotional literacy support for children aged 3-12 years. You can start today by joining (click here)

Are you looking for a deeper understanding of child mental health? Our Level 4 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Coaching Diploma takes you into an in depth dive of child mental health and how you can support.  You can join our Level 4 training (here).

© Nicky Edwards – All Rights Reserved

Further Support 

You can read more about by downloading our FREE Ebooks

You can learn more about child mental health by visiting our courses

You can find therapeutic story books to support your child and audios in our shops.

You can find therapeutic stories and hypnotherapy audios to support children in our shop.