WHY DO I FREEZE UNDER PRESSURE?

Why Do I Freeze Under Pressure?

Why Do I Freeze Under Pressure?

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Have you ever found yourself bottling up when the stakes are high? You're not alone! It's a universal experience known as pressure performance anxiety. Our brains can occasionally go into overdrive under stress, making it difficult to think clearly and perform at our best. This can lead to feelings of unease, which can further worsen the situation.

Understanding why this occurs is the first step towards managing it. There are several factors that contribute to pressure performance anxiety, including genetics, personality traits, and past experiences.

Understanding the Freeze Response: A Survival Mechanism

The freeze response is/represents/constitutes a primal physiological/automatic/instinctive reaction to/in the face of/during perceived threats/dangers/perils. It's an ancient/innate/fundamental mechanism embedded/hardwired/programmed into our nervous system/biology/being that serves as a defense/preservation/self-protection strategy. In situations/instances/scenarios where flight or fight aren't feasible/viable/possible, the freeze response kicks in/activates/takes hold, effectively pausing/freezing/immobilizing our actions/movements/capabilities.

While often perceived/regarded/considered as a sign of fear/terror/panic, it's crucial to recognize/understand/appreciate the freeze response CPTSD as a survival/protective/adaptive mechanism, designed to help/shield/preserve us from harm/injury/danger.

It's important to note that the freeze response can manifest differently/variedly/uniquely in individuals/people/persons. Some/Certain/Specific may experience/feel/encounter a complete shutdown/stillness/paralysis, while others/different individuals/some people may display/show/manifest subtle changes/variations/indications like muscle tension/increased heart rate/shallow breathing.

Trauma and the Freeze Response: Breaking Free from Paralysis

The freeze/immobilization/shutdown response is a primal mechanism/reaction/survival tactic that kicks in during moments of intense danger/fear/threat. While essential for immediate/short-term/rapid safety, when triggered by past/recent/ongoing trauma, it can lead to a sense/feeling/state of being stuck/paralyzed/frozen in life. This persistent immobility/inaction/unresponsiveness can manifest as difficulty/struggles/challenges with emotions/relationships/daily functioning, creating a cycle/pattern/trap that hampers/hinders/obstructs healing and growth.

  • Understanding/Recognizing/Acknowledging the freeze response as a symptom/reaction/manifestation of trauma is the first/initial/crucial step in breaking free/overcoming paralysis/liberating oneself.
  • Therapy/Healing modalities/Specialized treatment can provide a safe/supportive/nurturing space to process/work through/address the roots/origins/foundation of trauma, facilitating/enabling/promoting a shift from frozen/immobilized/stuck to responsive/engaged/empowered.
  • Mindfulness practices/Self-compassion/Grounding techniques can help regulate/manage/calm the nervous system, cultivating/building/strengthening awareness/presence/connection in the present moment.

Recognizing it Signs: Symptoms of the Freeze Response

When faced with a perceived threat, our bodies sometimes react by entering a state of “freeze.” This is a survival mechanism designed to help us avoid danger by becoming immobile and undetectable. While this response can be valuable in certain situations, prolonged or frequent freezing can have negative consequences on our mental and emotional well-being. Recognizing the signs of a freeze response is essential for understanding how to manage it effectively.

Some common symptoms include: feeling paralyzed or unable to move, experiencing shortness of breath or quick heartbeat, having difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly, feeling disconnected from your body or surroundings, and having intense fear or anxiety that feels overwhelming. If you find yourself often experiencing these symptoms, it's important to seek professional help.

Freezing Under Pressure

When facing stressful situations, our bodies instinctively activate a reaction known as the fight-or-flight response. This physiological chain of events triggers an elevation in hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, arming us to deal with the perceived threat.

Nonetheless, when stress becomes chronic or excessive, these physiological changes can have negative consequences for our well-being.

Prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol can impair the immune system, making us more prone to illness. It can also affect sleep patterns, contribute to blood pressure, and harmfully impact mood and cognitive function.

As a result, understanding the science behind freezing and how stress affects our bodies is crucial for coping with stress and promoting overall health and well-being.

Overcoming Freeze

Feeling stuck in a rut? It's a common experience that can hinder our progress. But the good news is, you can overcome this obstacle. The key is to cultivate strategies that help you move from a state of paralysis to one of action.

Here are some steps to guide you:

  • Recognize the freeze as a natural response.
  • Question your negative thoughts and beliefs.
  • Set small, achievable goals
  • Engage in self-reflection
  • Seek support

Remember, overcoming freeze takes time and persistence. Be patient with yourself, acknowledge your progress, and keep moving ahead.

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