People who have experienced aggression, violence, or other traumatic events in childhood may develop a freeze trauma response to events of similar nature. This manifests as a feeling of being stuck, unable to move, act, or speak. It is a normal reaction to trauma, but it can be distressing and is often misunderstood by others as a lack of interest, motivation, or as a form of passive aggression which it is not. Understanding the freeze trauma response can help you support someone who is experiencing it. Understanding the Freeze Response: An Involuntary Trauma Reaction The freeze response is a natural reaction to danger. When faced with a threat, abuse or violence, the body releases stress hormones that prepare it for fight or flight. If neither of these options is possible, the body may go into a freeze response, which is a form of tonic immobility. This is an involuntary reaction that can occur in response to extreme fear or trauma, often triggered by childhood experiences of abuse, n...