April 2025

Do you feel stuck yet still manage to keep up with daily responsibilities? This paradox could indicate a lesser-known stress response called high-functioning freeze. While many recognize the fight-or-flight response to stress, the freeze response is equally significant—and more common than we realize. High-functioning freeze occurs when you appear outwardly productive but feel internally disconnected, overwhelmed, or paralyzed. It's as if both the brake and the gas pedal are being pressed simultaneously. You meet deadlines, maintain relationships, and appear "normal," yet inside, you feel depleted, numb, or stuck. Essentially, you are functioning on auto-pilot.  What Causes High-Functioning Freeze? This response is rooted in...