When life feels overwhelming and you find yourself struggling to move forward, it’s natural to wonder whether you’re dealing with depression or something else entirely...
One possibility is that you might be in a functional freeze state, a condition that shares some similarities with depression but is rooted in different causes. Understanding the difference between these two states is essential for identifying the right support and healing approach.
What is Functional Freeze State?
A functional freeze state is a survival response to long-term stress or unresolved trauma where the body and mind become “frozen,” unable to fully relax or engage with life.
Unlike traditional freeze responses, where a person is completely immobilized, a functional freeze state allows you to continue with day-to-day activities but in a detached or robotic manner. You’re able to go through the motions of life—working, socializing, taking care of responsibilities—but internally, you might feel numb, disconnected, or stuck.
Signs of Functional Freeze State:
- Constant Exhaustion
- Emotional Numbness
- Self-Isolating As Often As Possible
- Difficulty Getting Out Of Bed
- Feels Like You're Living On Autopilot
- Hypervigilance
- Canceling Social Plans
- Dissociation
- Constant Overwhelm
People in a functional freeze state often feel like they’re on autopilot, living in a state of “pause” rather than truly experiencing life.
What is Depression?
Depression is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in most activities. It’s more than just a period of feeling low; it’s a serious condition that can affect every aspect of your life, from your energy levels to your relationships and work.
Symptoms of Depression:
- Persistent Sadness
- Loss of Interest
- No Motivation
- Feelings of Worthlessness
Key Differences: Functional Freeze State vs. Depression
While both conditions can involve feelings of being stuck, there are key differences:
- Emotional Experience: In a functional freeze state, you might feel emotionally numb or disconnected, while depression often involves deep sadness or hopelessness.
- Energy Levels: Functional freeze state and depression are both often associated with chronic fatigue and exhaustion.
- Response to Environment: In a functional freeze state, you might be highly alert to potential threats, even in safe situations. In depression, the world might feel overwhelming, but not necessarily threatening.
- Engagement in Life: Functional freeze state allows you to carry on with daily activities, but in a numb, detached manner. Clinical depression often results in withdrawal from work due to a lack of interest or energy.
Which One Am I Experiencing?
Determining whether you’re in a functional freeze state or experiencing depression can be challenging, especially since the two can overlap.
Here are some questions to consider:
- Do you feel emotionally numb and detached from life, or do you feel persistently sad and hopeless?
- Are you able to complete daily tasks but feel like you’re just going through the motions, or are you finding it difficult to get out of bed and take care of basic responsibilities?
- Are you constantly on alert, feeling like you’re in a state of tension, or do you feel weighed down by a sense of worthlessness and despair?
If your experiences align more with emotional numbness, hypervigilance, and a sense of going through the motions, you might be dealing with a functional freeze state. If your symptoms are more about deep sadness, lack of interest, and overwhelming fatigue, depression could be the cause.
Seeking Support
Both functional freeze state and depression are challenging to navigate alone. Whether you’re dealing with trauma-related functional freeze or depression, support is available, and recovery is possible. If you're experiencing depression, getting a therapist is a great step to take. If you can't afford therapy, try journaling or reaching out to a trusted friend.
If You're Experiencing Functional Freeze, You Can Get Your Energy Back with Somatic Exercises
If you find that you're living in a functional freeze state, somatic exercises can be incredibly helpful in regulating your nervous system and breaking free from the numbness and hypervigilance that keep you feeling stuck.
Heal Your Nervous System in 60 Days with Somatic Exercises: https://theworkoutwitch.com/collections/courses/products/1944118