Signs of the freeze response in conflict

From feeling numb to not knowing how to express emotions, here are a few signs of the freeze response in conflict.

Published on: Aug 18, 2023 3:29 PM IST

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In a conflict, our nervous system works in different ways. Sometimes it can go into the fight or flight mode and make us have a freeze response. What happens when a freeze response happens? Explaining this, Therapist Alexis Florentina Borja wrote, "If you find yourself easily being pulled into freeze when conflict arises, I invite you to consider just noticing what is happening in your body before things go numb, before things get still, or foggy." Here are a few signs of the freeze response in conflict. (Unsplash)

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We often feel that we have words stuck in the chest or the throat, but we are not able to get them out.  (Unsplash)

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We quickly try to avoid the situation by checking out and not having any idea about how to address it.  (Unsplash)

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We try to look indifferent and calm, but deep down, we struggle to handle the emotions we are overwhelmed with.  (Unsplash)

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We feel confused if we should speak out mind, or let it be because we also do not want to make anyone feel angry.  (Unsplash)

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We also feel a sense of numbness and dissociation from the body.  (Unsplash)