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Understanding shutdown
The deeper, more prolonged form of freeze.
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Shutdown is sometimes described as a more intense or prolonged version of freeze — a state where the body conserves energy by withdrawing, going still, or 'switching off' emotionally. It can follow a period of intense stress, or arrive when someone has felt trapped or powerless for a long time.
You might notice
- A heavy tiredness that doesn't match how much you've slept
- Feeling emotionally flat, distant or 'checked out'
- Withdrawing from people or activities you'd usually enjoy
- A sense of being on autopilot
- Difficulty accessing feelings at all, even ones you know are there
Shutdown can sometimes overlap with symptoms of depression or dissociation. If it persists or worries you, it's worth speaking with a GP or mental health professional.