Frozen in Trauma: When Our Bodies Betray Us

Have you ever felt completely paralyzed by fear? Imagine a moment so overwhelming that your body simply stops.

This isn't weakness, it's survival.

In a powerful conversation about human resilience, Walt and Joel delved into a critical yet rarely discussed psychological response to trauma: freezing. Beyond the well-known fight-or-flight mechanism, the human nervous system has a third, often misunderstood survival strategy.

Walt shared a heart-wrenching story about a military veteran who experienced sexual assault, revealing a shocking statistic: 73% of rape cases involve a "freeze" response. This isn't just a momentary pause, it's a profound psychological shutdown where victims become immobilized, unable to react or defend themselves.

Joel, drawing from his experience as a therapist and life coach, explained freezing as more than physical immobility. "It's about being stuck," he said. "People can't get out of their own way. They become trapped not just physically, but mentally and emotionally."

The conversation illuminated how trauma creates invisible chains. Like a deer caught in headlights, survivors can become completely paralyzed, unable to move forward in their lives. This isn't a choice, it's a neurological protection mechanism.

Freezing isn't just about sexual trauma. It can manifest after losing a child, experiencing severe workplace stress, or confronting life-altering events. The body's response is a complex survival strategy, a spectrum of protective reactions designed to shield us from overwhelming experiences.

Joel emphasized that freezing is often part of a larger healing process. "Everybody who experiences severe trauma will have a period of freezing," he explained. "Eventually, something will kick them out of it."

The discussion revealed the importance of understanding these complex psychological responses. It's not about blame or weakness, it's about recognizing the incredible ways our bodies and minds protect us during extreme stress.

For survivors, understanding the freeze response can be transformative. It validates their experience, showing that their reaction was a natural, protective mechanism, not a personal failure.

This conversation challenges us to expand our understanding of human resilience. Trauma isn't linear. Healing isn't straightforward. Sometimes, survival means being temporarily frozen, waiting for the right moment to move forward.

To anyone struggling with trauma: Your response is valid. Your experience matters. You are not alone.

LOA Today Episode Page: https://www.loatoday.net/frozen-in-trauma-when-our-bodies-betray-us

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