04/08/2026
In my experience, healing my nervous system has been like peeling back layers of an onion. Freeze response is like the "last resort" of the nervous system, "if I am still and quiet the danger will go away". This can significantly interfere with decision making, and can create a sudden inability to speak or move, disassociation, numbness/apathy, mental fog or shutting down under pressure. The mind is literally blocking or limiting our own movement, even if we are intentionally and consciously trying to force same. We cannot think ourselves into a healed central nervous system. No amount of self-blame or shame will unfreeze the frozen survival response. What helps? 1. Becoming Aware of the nervous system, accept that your body is doing its best to protect you and have compassion for yourself (no judgment). 2. Use grounding techniques: breathwork, exercise with slow/gentle movement, nature, cold shower, walk barefoot in the grass, slow dance, etc. 3. Build a sense of agency within start saying "no" or "yes", give yourself permission to make small decisions and build from there. 4. Consider options such as therapy and somatic practices.
