Freeze Response in Teens: Recovering from Trauma

Anxiety is not uncommon in teens, and it can become chronic or intense for teens the same way it does for adults. It is important to understand how anxiety affects your teen and how to encourage them to come to you for support. Understanding how the body reacts to stress is the first step in understanding how your teen will handle their struggles. This means that you and your teen should be knowledgeable about the fight, flight, or freeze responses.

The three responses to stress are engaged when a threat has been detected by the brain. People will either flee (flight), confront (fight), or freeze. A parent must recognize the symptoms of a freeze response in their teen when they are feeling overwhelmed and stressed. This will allow you to get them the help they need to understand how to manage the response.

God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. – 2 Timothy 1:7, ESV

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What is the freeze response?

The freeze response is when the brain decides that you cannot fight or flee from the situation. The teen will find themselves paralyzed and unable to function. Your teen may become still and remain quiet or distant until they feel the threat has passed. During this time your teen may also find it difficult to speak. The body is attempting to shut down movement to remain safe.

The freeze response is the body’s way of dissociating from the terrifying moment. Unless a person can stay present in the moment regardless of danger, the body will freeze to feel safe and protected. When your teen is experiencing this situation, their brain is telling their body to remain in the “freeze” state to lessen the pain. By “disappearing” or being frozen, the mind can block out what is too frightening to experience.

What happens during a freeze response to trauma?

The freeze response in teens demonstrates the common signs that are also noted in adults. It is vital to be aware of these signs to be able to assist your teen through the situation. As a parent, it is helpful to make sure the teen understands what their body will go through during a freeze response.

Flushed or pale skin

The body is directing blood to specific areas, and this will cause the person to look pale or flushed.

Dilated pupils

During this situation the pupils may dilate to allow more light into the eyes. This will help the person see what is going on around them.

Rapid breathing and increased heart rate

The body is in a state of panic and will compensate by sending more blood to the brain and muscles in case of the need to escape.

Tense muscles

The response is more than likely causing the body to prepare to move, this will cause the muscles to become tense. This may affect the tone of a person’s voice as the throat muscles constrict.

Dry mouth

When the body is sending blood to other areas and causing muscle constriction, the blood vessels in the mouth can cause dry mouth due to the temporary lack of saliva.

Recovery from a freeze response

After a teen has experienced a freeze response to a situation, they will need time to process recovery from the intense reactions the body went through. Some activities can help with this recovery time. The after-effects of anxiety can linger for a few days, so it is important to find safe and restful activities for your teen.

The most important aspect of recovery is self-care. Being gentle with themselves begins with maintaining nutrition through healthy meals. This includes drinking more water and staying away from carbonated and sugary beverages.

Regular exercise and proper rest are important in mental health after an instance of freeze response related to anxiety. Exercise will promote blood flow and encourage the body to fully rest during the proper time.

Taking breaks that will promote relaxation can reduce stress. This includes staying away from the things that can be considered tense such as TV, music, books, and events that can produce feelings of anxiety.

Strategies to help your teen

Once you understand how to recognize the signs of freeze response in your teen, you can help them navigate the anxiety that is causing the situation. This will help them learn skills to navigate the situation healthily.

• Identify the signs of anxiety in your teen.
• Provide a safe place to express feelings and emotions.
• Encourage techniques that create relaxation.
• Seek the help of a Christian counselor.

Next steps

The freeze response in teens is not much different than that of an adult. The difference is a teen may need help navigating the coping skills needed to prevent the frequency of the responses. Helping your teen learn to navigate healthy responses to stress will reduce the chance of them having a freeze response to trauma. To get more information contact us today to schedule an appointment with me or one of the other counselors at our office.