Unpacking Brain Fog: The Freeze Response Explained
Episode Overview
The freeze response is linked to brain fog due to biological reactions. Chronic functional freeze can lead to reliance on stimulants like caffeine. Understanding the body's stress response helps in recognising trauma. Brain inflammation contributes to mental disconnection during stress. Identifying freeze responses is crucial for effective recovery strategies.
"Our survival strategy now goes from active response to retreat mode, making us disconnect from reality."
Ever wondered why brain fog seems to hit you out of nowhere? Dr. Aimie Apigian sheds light on this puzzling phenomenon in her latest episode, where she unpacks the freeze response and its surprising connection to brain fog. You might think the freeze response is just about feeling stuck, but there's a lot more happening under the surface. Dr. Aimie answers a question from Rachel, a therapist in Seattle, about why this response is linked to that frustrating mental haze.
Dr. Aimie explains that when your nervous system perceives a threat, it can trigger a freeze response, leading to disconnection from reality. This isn't just a mental block—it's a biological reaction involving brain inflammation that creates the fog. It's fascinating to learn how our bodies react to stress and trauma, shifting from an active response to a retreat mode.
This episode is packed with eye-opening information about how our bodies cope with stress and why recognising these signs is crucial for recovery. Dr. Aimie shares personal anecdotes about moments when her body went into a freeze response, illustrating how this can manifest in everyday life. She discusses how chronic functional freeze can make life feel like a constant uphill battle, leading many to rely on caffeine or other stimulants just to get through the day.
The episode is both informative and relatable, offering practical advice for identifying and addressing these responses in ourselves and others. So, if you've ever felt like you're stuck in a fog, this episode might just help you see the light at the end of the tunnel. What steps can you take today to better understand your body's responses?