abusesurvior

They call it the fight or flight mode when in reality it's the fight, flight, or freeze mode. Many people who have experienced severe trauma or abuse when threatened, or are in fear, or subjected to further abuse, or a tramatic event they just freeze. It's a natural response, especially for individuals with PTSD/CPTSD. Their natural self preservation instincts have been compromised. Their traumatic experiences and/or abuse have conditioned their instincts into responding this way. There is no shame in it. It's involuntary and usually very misunderstood. Unfortunately society and more often than not loved ones do not see it this way. These "freeze" individuals are often judged harshly and unjustly for this. They can be shunned by family or friends because they don't get what's really happening. A human being who has suffered abuse/trauma their brain becomes altered or "re wired" and as a result their reaction to any threat can be significantly different than a "normal" person. It takes years of cognitive and behavioral therapy to try and rewire this response. Even then it doesn't always work. People who suffer with this freeze response may act indifferent, may seem withdrawn or anti social. This too is a freeze response. They may not be able to make proper decisions that would seem normal or automatic to most anyone else. They may become withdrawn or the complete opposite and become overly social or act out in ways that can cause them or others harm. They may become self destructive. This can last for weeks or months. Their ability to cope has gone into "hibernation mode" where they shut down emotionally as a defense mechanism. Some individuals who do this may not even understand what is going on themselves or why they react in such a way. So please try to be understanding. Understand these people are doing the best they can, are coping the only way their brains know how. Be extra loving and kind as they slowly begin to accept what is happening. Support them and encourage them to seek help. Don't give up on them and definitely don't judge them for this. They probably are more confused than you are as to why they are reacting or behaving the way they are. When in doubt always lead with love. Their freeze response is just as valid as fight or flight. And it doesn't make them any less deserving of your respect or kindness either. Survivors of abuse/trauma/neglect require more understanding and support and they should never be made to feel ashamed for this but instead praised for their resiliency and perseverance. Take care of one another and always be kind. #abusesurvior #Trauma #MentalHealth #copingmechanisms #PTSD #CPTSD #Support #Therapy #survivinganarcissist #fightorflight #freezemode #Kindness #Love #Support #fighter

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Understanding "freeze" mode

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