Why we freeze under extreme stress instead of taking action
Why we freeze and stop acting under stress (Photo: Getty Images)
When we talk about the freeze response today, it has long since moved beyond the pages of neuroscience textbooks. For millions of Ukrainians, after years of living with air raid sirens and explosions, freezing has become an everyday physical reality.
RBC-Ukraine explains why the freeze response has become one of the brain's primary survival mechanisms during prolonged stress and how this experience has reshaped the way our brains function.
Why we freeze during prolonged danger
At the start of the full-scale war, many people relied on the classic fight or flight responses. Some volunteered around the clock, while others urgently evacuated their families. Both required enormous bursts of adrenaline.
But the human body cannot remain in a state of maximum physical alertness for years.
When stress becomes chronic and uncontrollable and the threat never truly disappears, the brain switches into energy-saving mode.
Because we cannot physically run away from missile attacks or fight them in the moment, the brain unconsciously chooses freezing as the least energy-intensive way to survive.
Remaining in this state also helps dull overwhelming emotions, allowing people to continue functioning.
Many Ukrainians have noticed that during air raid alerts, they no longer panic or rush to shelter. Instead, they experience unusual sluggishness, drowsiness, or complete apathy. According to experts, this reflects an overloaded nervous system that has effectively pressed its internal brake.
Signs of the freeze response are many people recognize
Over the past few years, freezing has become deeply woven into daily life. Psychologists often describe this as functional freezing.
Common signs include:
- Life on hold: Even simple decisions become difficult because the brain blocks actions that require thinking about the future.
- Physical tension: Constantly raised shoulders, clenched jaws, and shallow breathing that often goes unnoticed until it becomes difficult to catch your breath.
- Social withdrawal: A strong urge to hide away, ignore messages from friends, and avoid social interaction.
Even while lying in bed, the body may remain braced for impact because muscle memory stores the unresolved energy of chronic stress.
How to regain a sense of control
Experts say that trying to think your way out of the freeze response rarely works. Regaining control starts with the body through simple but consistent physical actions.
If you begin trembling after a missile strike or another frightening event, don't try to suppress it. Shaking is the body's natural way of releasing excess adrenaline.
When your body feels frozen or stiff, simple mechanical activities, such as washing dishes, wiping down surfaces, doing a few squats, or slowly sipping warm water, can help restart movement.
Physical comfort also matters. Hugging someone you trust, gently massaging your neck, or taking a warm shower can send reassuring signals to your nervous system that you are safe.
