What you’re experiencing can feel very overwhelming. When anxiety, guilt, or perceived interpersonal threat becomes intense, the nervous system can temporarily interfere with our ability to act according to our intentions.
Try these brief CBT-based techniques in sequence:
》Stop & Notice: “I am freezing; this is an automatic stress response.”
》Ground: Press your feet into the floor, take a slow, longer exhale, and identify 3 things you can see around you.
》Choose: Ask yourself “What action is consistent with my boundary, even if I still feel guilty?”
You don't need to eliminate guilt or fear before setting a boundary. You can feel compassion and still maintain distance.
The goal is not to become emotionally numb or perfectly calm; it is to gradually build the ability to feel the emotion without letting it control your behaviour.
If the panic/somatic symptoms and freeze response are significantly affecting daily functioning or exam preparation, continuing with the psychiatrist and seeking psychological therapy with a clinical psychologist when feasible would be advisable.
Answered2026-08-21 08:22:08
Let others know if this answer was helpful