Your Fear Response is “Freeze”
A high score in this fear response suggests that you’re more likely to zone out when confronted with a potentially dangerous, stressful, or scary situation.
Definition of the
Freeze Response
The “freeze” response is generally used because you are fearful, afraid to make a mistake, fear being judged, feel forced to perform an action, or you’re simply not in the mood to deal with the situation at hand.
This response is based on the idea that “If I don’t do anything, the threat can’t hurt me” or “If I don’t do anything, I can’t mess it up.”
Coping Mechanism:
5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Grounding Exercise
Focus on what is currently happening, do not get down on your own thoughts. Use the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Grounding exercise. In this exercise use all of your 5 senses:
5 – THINGS I SEE.
Look for five things you see around you.
4 – THINGS I FEEL.
Feel 4 things in with your skin. Be sensitive to what is happening. Feel the sensation in your skin.
3 – THINGS I HEAR.
Listen to 3 things you hear around you.
2 – THINGS I SMELL.
Smell two distinct scents in your surroundings.
1 – A THING I TASTE.
What do you currently taste in your mouth?
Feel free to download a copy of this freeze response coping mechanism!
The following have been selected for you to help you gain more important insights and understandings of the dynamics at play:
Recommended Video:
The 5-4-3-2-1 Method: A Grounding Exercise to Manage Anxiety
Recommended Product:
5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Exercise Worksheet
Recommended Reading:
Stuck In A Freeze Fear Response, Should I Be Worried?
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4 TYPES OF
Fear Responses
Fight Response
Flight Response
Freeze Response
Fawn Response
Reaching out for help is always essential.
If you are worried about your mental or physical state or both, be sure to make yourself a priority. Our therapists at Shirley Therapeutic and Consulting Services can aid in rooting the underlying causes of these overwhelming feelings.