🐰 Feeling Stuck? Meet Your Inner Bunny (aka the Anxiety Ninja) 🐰

Hey there, Freeze Fans (and Fellow Anxiety Ninjas)!

 

Ever find yourself frozen in place, like a bunny caught in the headlights of life? You’re not alone! Let’s talk about your inner bunny—the anxiety-ridden, freeze-mode expert who’s mastered the art of staying perfectly still while the world spins around it. Sometimes the fears are so big you feel paralyzed.

 

Meet Your Inner Bunny: The Freeze Mode Mastermind

Picture this: You’re minding your own business, and suddenly life throws a curveball. Your inner bunny's first reaction?

 

“I’m just gonna stay right here and hope nobody notices me.”

 

Whether it’s an awkward social situation or an overwhelming task at work, the bunny’s strategy is simple—don't move and hope the danger passes. It’s like being the ultimate hide-and-seek champion, but instead of winning a prize, you’re just stuck... forever.

 

Confusion: The Bunny’s Default Setting

 

One minute you’re fine, and the next, you’re in full-on bunny mode—confused, terrified, and wondering how you got here. It’s like your brain took a detour and forgot to send you the new directions. This confusion isn’t just a minor hiccup; it’s the bunny’s way of saying, “I have no idea what’s going on, so I’m just going to freeze and hope for the best.”

 

Terrified & Wary: The Bunny’s Constant Companions

 

Fear is the bunny’s best friend. Not the “boo, I scared you!” kind of fear, but the deep, unsettling kind that makes you want to curl up in a ball and disappear. Your bunny is constantly on high alert, scanning the horizon for any sign of danger—real or imagined. It’s like living in a perpetual state of “Did I leave the stove on?” but for your entire life.

 

Phobic of Being Seen: The Bunny’s Stealth Mode

 

Ever feel like you’d rather blend into the wallpaper than have someone notice you? That’s your bunny talking. It’s the ultimate introvert, terrified of being seen, judged, or (heaven forbid) talked to. This bunny would rather be invisible than risk the spotlight, even if that means missing out on opportunities or connections.

 

Panic Attacks: The Bunny’s Last-Ditch Effort

 

When all else fails, the bunny has one last trick up its sleeve: the panic attack. It’s like your inner bunny feels trapped and thinks, "This is the end." Your heart races, your mind goes blank, and suddenly you’re stuck in full-on panic mode, unable to move, think, or breathe. It’s the bunny’s way of saying, “This is too much—let’s just shut it all down!”

 

Un-Freezing the Bunny

 

So, what do you do when your inner bunny takes over?

 

First, give it some compassion—after all, it’s just trying to keep you safe in its own (adorably misguided) way.

 

Next, remind yourself that you’re not actually in danger, even if it feels that way. It’s okay to take small steps toward unfreezing yourself. Maybe start with a deep breath, or a gentle reminder that you’re capable of handling whatever comes your way.

 

And if your bunny is making life a little too challenging, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Therapy can be a great way to guide that anxious little bunny out of the headlights and into a calmer, more peaceful place.

 

In the meantime, remember that it’s okay to be a bunny sometimes—just don’t let it drive your internal bus and keep you stuck forever.

 

If you haven't downloaded it yet from the last emails on survival defenses, take a look at this free handout below (the inspiration behind today’s email) to help you understand why your mind and body sometimes react like they’re starring in their own nature documentary.

 

You’ve got the strength to move forward, one hop at a time.

 

Warm wishes,

Hannah Kanter, LICSW

Healing with Hannah

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FREE HANDOUT on Automatic Survival Defenses

Strength of All Parts - Survival Defenses.pdf

Download PDF • 405KB