The responses known as, “fight” and, “flight” are self-explanatory. In addition, two more responses, “fawn” and, “freeze” are responses to stressors. Freezing is not often discussed but manifests in myriad ways. Rachel Gresh explains functional freeze and shares tips to deal with the less obvious state of emotion. It impacts sufferers mentally and physically but without showing the classic symptoms of textbook anxiety or depression.
Freeze is a stress response that causes you to freeze mentally, physically, and emotionally while still going through the motions of daily life.”
Source: Better Report, December 15, 2023. Link. Functional freeze is not a permanent state. To unfreeze, one must activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which allows the body to transition from sympathetic mode into a calmer, more relaxed state.