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Why You Froze: Understanding Common Trauma Responses

Updated: Jun 18

If you’ve ever wondered:

“Why didn’t I scream?”

“Why couldn’t I fight?”


Here’s something really important to know: Freezing during trauma is a natural, protective response. It’s not something you choose, and it’s not your fault.


Many people are surprised by how their body reacts in a frightening or overwhelming moment. What might feel like “freezing up” is a natural survival response.


At Nada Johnson Consulting and Counselling Services, I offer a safe, compassionate space to help women understand these reactions, process what happened, and begin to heal at their own pace.


Let’s take a closer look at why freezing happens, and why it doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. 🫶🌿

🧠 What Happens in Your Body During Trauma


When your brain senses danger, it activates an automatic stress response known as fight, flight, freeze, flop, or friend. This is your body’s way of protecting you without needing to think about it (Rape Crisis England & Wales, n.d.).


You might suddenly feel tense, still, or like your body won’t move. Some people also feel numb, disconnected, or unable to speak. These are all normal responses.

The Five Survival Responses

According to Rape Crisis UK, these are the five common trauma responses:

  1. Fight – pushing back or yelling

  2. Flight – trying to get away

  3. Freeze – staying completely still or silent

  4. Flop – your muscles give out or go limp

  5. Friend – trying to appease the person hurting you or call for help (Rape Crisis England & Wales, n.d.)


None of these are signs of weakness. They are automatic, biological responses designed to keep you safe.

What Freezing Feels Like


Freezing also called tonic immobility is common during sexual assault.


You may have felt paralyzed, silent, or like you left your body. It may have seemed like time stood still.


This reaction can happen when the brain senses that running or fighting could be dangerous (Medical News Today, 2023).


  • SpunOut also notes that memories can stay stuck, and triggers like a smell or sound can bring the freeze response back even when you're safe.

Why It Happens During Assault


Dr Jim Hopper explains that freezing is the body’s way of trying to survive overwhelming fear.


In traumatic situations like sexual assault, the part of your brain responsible for logic and decision-making shuts down and the survival brain takes over.


That’s why many people don’t scream, run, or fight back (Hopper, 2015).

🫶 Freezing Doesn’t Mean “Yes”


Let me say this clearly:

Freezing does not mean you agree. Not moving doesn’t mean it wasn’t assault.


Your body was trying to keep you safe in the best way it knew how.

💛 You Didn’t Fail—You Survived


If you’ve been blaming yourself, I want you to know: You are not alone. You are not broken. And you didn’t do anything wrong.


These trauma responses are shared by many survivors, and understanding them can be the first step toward healing.

🌿 Healing Starts With Understanding


At Nada Johnson Consulting and Counselling Services, I offer a calm, supportive space where we can explore these trauma responses in a way that feels safe for you. You don’t need to explain everything at once. You can heal at your own pace.


🌸 If anything in this blog sounds familiar, I want you to know this: You’re not alone. What happened to you matters. You deserve support, understanding, and healing.


When you're ready, I’m here with support. 🫶🌿



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References

Hopper, J. (2015). Why many rape victims don’t fight or yell. Washington Post. https://evawintl.org/wp-content/uploads/Hopper-2015-Why-Many-Rape-Victims-Dont-Fight-or-Yell-Washington-Post.pdf

Medical News Today. (2023). Fight, flight, or freeze response: What it means and how it works.https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/fight-flight-or-freeze-response

Rape Crisis England & Wales. (n.d.). Understanding your response: Fight, flight or freeze.https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/tools-for-victims-and-survivors/understanding-your-response/fight-or-flight/

SpunOut. (n.d.). Why do people freeze during a sexual assault? https://spunout.ie/life/abuse/freeze-during-sexual-assault/


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In addition to counselling, NJCCS offers coaching through our sister brand, Potential Unlocked™, designed specifically for professional women navigating career, leadership, and life transitions.


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