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Anxiety Makes Me Freeze

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theotherside

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As in tremble and have goose bumps. Almost like a fever. Anyone else? To go to see T i have to bundle up. Jacket, gloves, boots, scarf. Last time i told my supporter i was bringing my blanket in my purse. He said please dont lol

Severe anxiety also can make me freeze like as in frozen and cant move
 
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Yup.

Adrenaline response is multifaceted... Physical as well as mental. What you're talking about is a side effect of blood being yanked to your core (brain & heart), which is one of the physical aspects. Means in a fight? You won't bleed out. Well, you could, but it would take awhile. Anything on your skin's surface may not even bleed, but even deep slashes or bites on your arms, legs, and even abdomen? Just won't affect you that much. The body sends just enough blood to your extremities to keep them functional, and limits blood flow in general.

You may notice a skin pricking feeling, just before it happens, or start sweating...and then brrrrr. Exactly like a fever, that initial sweat makes you feel cold, which is part of the trigger to pull your blood to your core.

Hot flashes & flop sweats are also part of this when you're cycling / your body is trying to regulate its systems in ongoing anxiety. More commonly, your mouth will be dry, your skin dry, your vision narrowed, hearing acute, and c-c-c-cold.

A sudden dump of adrenaline, meanwhile, is often described as "ice water in your veins". It really does feel cold when your sympathetic nervous system kicks on.
 
Yes, I get very trembling with anxiety. I can't maintain my temperature. I have taken a blanket to therapy, especially this winter. I live in the Northeast and it has been bitter cold. I also get nauseous and end up dissociative from my anxiety. I have had some success practicing mindfulness when I get anxious. If I can, I get still and just concentrate on my breathing. If I'm anxious at therapy, my T helps me calm down.
 
@FridayJones great description. I'm freezing and trembling as i write this! My body is so tense. It feels just like a fever.
My body temp has always been low ish like 97.4 i dont know if its low it just seems everyones is the 98.6
@KwanYingirl my T has offered me a blanket but i feel so awkward about it. I should bring one :)
 
Hope you don't mind me chiming in. I don't have PTSD, I have GAD, and I get this as well. Last week I had a major anxiety attack, and then about half an hour later, I suddenly got very very cold and started trembling - and this was shortly after having a very hot shower. When I got into bed and snuggled into my partner, he exclaimed that I felt freezing cold. I told my GP about this the other day and she was surprised - she hadn't heard of that being a symptom associated with anxiety attacks.
 
I get this too but for me this only happens when I'm afraid of something that is going to be done to me not just thoughts. For example I had to get some invasive medical procedures and I was shivering so hard that everyone thought I had a fever. I find drinking warm relaxing tea helps. You can even drink tea during a therapist appointment if you want. I drink it everywhere I go.
 
@falling_wave that's a great idea. I love tea! I never tought of that but holding a warm cup at therapy would be great.
Two times for medical procedures i had to be sent home because i was shaking too much. That was before my ptsd kicked into high gear! I cant even imagine going in for something now. They'd have to drug me up good
 
Im the same way. I keep a portable heater next to me all the time. I turn it on several times a day to feel safer and prevent anxiety or flashbacks from getting out of control. If my anxiety is super high, I have to take a hot bath.
 
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