Coming out of chronic freeze and shutdown

Freeze is a combination of sympathetic (fight/flight) and parasympathetic (dorsal vagal). To resolve freeze we need to address the dorsal energy first.

Shutdown is parasympathetic (dorsal vagal). The body’s last resort to self protect.

A system in freeze/shutdown is an overwhelmed system.
It has low capacity to feel and to regulate.

Freeze and shutdown is the body’s way of signalling “hibernation”. It does that to self protect. If we fight and push too hard we go against the natural path of energy conservation the body has already decided to take (the following suggestions are for when the body has already gone into freeze/shutdown).

Know that:

1) It requires time to safely move out of these states. The body has its own timing, and our job is to support, creating the conditions for the body to feel safe to come out of “hibernation”.

2) It requires energy to come out of “hibernation”, but first we need to “give in” for a bit. Avoid pushing, as push will make it go even further into “hibernation”.

🔸Follow the hibernation mode without major agenda. This is not the time to take on new projects or to make big plans.

All the basics of life get done (when/if possible) and the non-essentials take a back seat for awhile. I know this can be frustrating, but it’s important to respect your window of tolerance. You can only work on building capacity once you start listening and respecting your body’s needs.

🔸Less stimulation is key. Soothing music, natural foods, soups, staying warm, gentle movement, taking naps when necessary etc...

Disclaimer: There is nuance. This is a basic overview. It’s key to get to know your own system and its patterns. People in these states might be experiencing chronic illness, which will need extra care. I invite you to read my highlights to learn more about the nervous system and resources you can use to support your healing journey.