You’ve shown traits for both the FIGHT and FREEZE trauma responses. It’s common for the nervous system to react differently in different situations, yet we usually rely on one primary pattern under stress. After reading through the information below, notice over the coming days or weeks whether you tend to respond with freeze or flight when your nervous system feels overactivated.
When you’re in “fight” mode, your nervous system prepares you to protect yourself by pushing back. This might show up as anger, frustration, defensiveness, or a strong urge to stand your ground. Deep down, it’s your body’s way of saying, “I won’t let anything hurt me.”
Common symptoms you may experience:
Physical:
• Tense muscles or clenched jaw
• Flushed face or racing heart
• Surges of energy or adrenaline
Mental:
• Racing thoughts or fixation on threats
• Feeling the need to control outcomes
• Quick reactions to perceived challenges
Emotional:
• Irritability or emotional intensity
• Sudden bursts of anger or frustration
Behavioral:
• Confrontational or controlling behavior
• Strong boundaries or fear of losing control
There’s nothing wrong with this response.
It’s powerful and protective.
Your body is wired to defend you.
When you understand this energy, it can help you set boundaries.
It can help you fight for your values.
It can help you stay resilient.
The key is learning to channel your strength — without letting it control you.
When you’re in “freeze” mode, your nervous system hits the brakes. You might feel stuck, numb, or disconnected, like your body and mind have paused. Deep down, your system believes stillness = survival.
Common symptoms you may experience:
Physical:
• Low energy or chronic fatigue
• Shallow breathing or holding your breath
• Feeling cold or heavy in your body
Mental:
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Trouble making decisions
Emotional:
• Numbness, emptiness, or disconnection
• Shame for not “doing enough”
Behavioral:
• Withdrawal or isolation
• Dissociation or “checking out”
• Difficulty starting or finishing tasks
There’s nothing wrong with this response.
Freeze is a deeply protective mechanism.
It’s your body’s emergency brake when action feels impossible.
This response whispers,
“It’s safer to pause than to push.”
With understanding, you can begin to welcome back gentle movement, safety, and aliveness.
What it truly needs is your patience.
The chance to ground, breathe, and trust your pace as your system slowly reawakens.
