Understanding Functional Freeze
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) is a condition that arises from prolonged exposure to traumatic events, often of a repetitive and interpersonal nature . One of the core responses to such trauma is the state of functional freeze.
What is Functional Freeze?
Functional freeze is a survival response where an individual appears outwardly functional but is internally stuck, numb, and unable to engage fully with their emotions or life. This response is part of the body’s natural defense mechanism, triggered by overwhelming stress or threat when neither fight nor flight is possible. While the person may go through daily routines, often managing too many responsibilities, and appear highly successful, they feel paralyzed inside, disconnected from their true selves and their emotions as if their life energy has been drained.
Functional Freeze and CPTSD
In the context of CPTSD, functional freeze is particularly significant. CPTSD results from long-term trauma, often during critical developmental periods, leading to a more pervasive and complex set of symptoms compared to PTSD. These symptoms include emotional dysregulation, negative self-concept, overfunctioning, and difficulties in relationships.
Functional freeze in CPTSD manifests as:
- Emotional Numbness: Individuals may have difficulty accessing their emotions, feeling disconnected from their feelings and those of others.
- Chronic Dissociation: A sense of detachment from the present moment or one’s own body, often described as feeling like an observer of one’s life rather than a participant.
- Impaired Functionality: While the person might meet external expectations and responsibilities, they struggle with internal motivation, joy, and fulfillment.
- Avoidance of Emotions: To cope with the overwhelming emotions associated with trauma, individuals may unconsciously suppress their feelings, leading to a state of emotional freeze.
Strategies to Overcome Freeze Responses
Managing and overcoming functional freeze requires a holistic approach that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of the response. Here are some strategies:
1. Creating a Safe Environment
- Therapeutic Alliance: Establishing a trusting relationship with a therapist who specializes in trauma and CPTSD can provide a safe and supportive space for exploration and healing.
- Support Networks: Connecting with understanding friends and family members who can offer emotional support and validation.
2. Somatic Therapies
- Body Awareness: Practices such as mindfulness, yoga, and somatic experiencing can help individuals reconnect with their bodies and their sensations, gradually thawing the freeze response.
- Breathwork: Controlled breathing exercises can regulate the nervous system and promote a sense of calm and safety.
3. Gradual Exposure
- Controlled Exposure: Gradually and safely confronting avoided emotions and memories with the guidance of a therapist can help reduce the power they hold and integrate them into a cohesive narrative.
- Therapeutic Techniques: Techniques such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) can be effective in processing trauma and reducing the freeze response.
4. Emotional Regulation
- Mindfulness Practices: Techniques that focus on present-moment awareness can help individuals become more attuned to their emotions and bodily sensations.
- Creative Expression: Art, music, and writing can provide alternative ways to express and process emotions that may be difficult to articulate.
5. Self-Compassion and Patience
- Self-Compassion Practices: Encouraging a compassionate and non-judgmental attitude towards oneself can alleviate feelings of
shame and guilt often associated with functional freeze and CPTSD.
- Patience: Healing from complex trauma takes time, and it’s important to acknowledge and respect one’s own pace in the recovery journey.
Functional freeze is a challenging but essential aspect to address in the context of CPTSD. Understanding this response as a survival mechanism rooted in trauma can foster compassion and guide effective treatment strategies. By creating a safe environment, engaging in somatic therapies, gradually exposing oneself to avoided emotions, and practicing emotional regulation and self-compassion, individuals can begin to thaw the freeze response, reconnect with their true selves, and move towards a more integrated and fulfilling life.
Healing from CPTSD and functional freeze is not a linear process, but with the right support and strategies, it is possible to regain a sense of vitality and wholeness. Remember, reaching out for help is a courageous first step towards reclaiming your life from the grips of trauma.
