🌱 Feeling Stuck? Here’s How to Start Healing

If you’re burned out, frozen, or just not feeling like yourself—you’re not alone. And you’re definitely not broken.

You might be in a protective pause—a nervous system freeze that happens when life feels too overwhelming to outrun.

😔 Why You Feel Stuck

Your brain and body are wired to keep you safe. When stress, shame, or exhaustion pile up, your nervous system might say, “Let’s shut down for now.” That’s called dorsal vagal freeze—a survival response that can feel like:

“I don’t care anymore.”
“I know I need to change, but I can’t move.”
“I’m too tired to try.”

It’s not weakness. It’s wisdom.

And if you work in healthcare, ministry, or social services, shame can sneak in when you’re expected to give endlessly but aren’t allowed to need care yourself. You’re praised for pushing through, but left alone in survival mode. That’s not okay.

🦁 The Lion Walks Away

Imagine being stuck in a situation that felt impossible—like a gazelle caught by a lion. She collapses, not because she gave up, but because her body knew escape wasn’t possible.

But when the lion walks away, she jolts awake, shakes off the freeze, and runs.

You can do that too.

You can get up. You can change what’s been hurting you—jobs that drain you, relationships that shame you, thoughts that keep you stuck.

Freeze kept you alive. But movement brings you back to life.

🧠 How CBT Helps You Shift

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you notice and challenge the thoughts that keep you frozen.

“I’m not allowed to rest.”
“I should be able to handle this.”
“If I quit, I’ve failed.”

CBT helps you reframe those beliefs into something more true and kind—like:

“Rest is part of healing.”
“I’m allowed to change what’s not working.”
“Survival isn’t failure—it’s strength.”

✨ Flash Technique & ART: Gentle Trauma Healing

Sometimes, the freeze comes from deeper trauma—memories your body still holds onto.

That’s where techniques like Flash and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) come in.

Flash Technique helps you process distressing memories without having to talk about them in detail.
ART uses eye movements and guided imagery to help your brain rewire how it stores painful experiences. You keep the facts, but lose the emotional sting.

These approaches help your nervous system say, “The lion is gone. You’re safe now.”

🌬️ How to Start Moving Again

You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. You just need to begin.

Try this:

Breathe slowly. Exhale longer than you inhale. It tells your body, “You’re safe now.”
Move gently. Stretch, walk, sway—anything to signal motion.
Talk to someone regulated. A counselor, a friend, a partner. Their calm helps your body remember its own.
Name what’s not working. Jobs, relationships, habits—get honest.
Choose one small change. Apply for something new. Say no once. Rest without guilt.

📞 Ready to Move Past Shame?

You don’t have to do this alone. Sometimes healing starts with one brave call.

Try reaching out to someone who can co-regulate with you—someone trained to help your nervous system feel safe again.

Call 352-535-0559 to connect with a virtual counselor anywhere in Alabama, or visit our Cullman office in person. We’re here to help you move forward—gently, powerfully, and at your pace.