What symptom is associated with feeling trapped in a flight response?

Feeling trapped in a flight response often leads to a physiological phenomenon known as dissociation, which can manifest as numbness in the arms and legs. This symptom occurs as part of the body's stress response. When an individual feels overwhelmed and unable to flee or fight, the brain may trigger a protective mechanism that includes a disconnect from physical sensations or strong emotions, leading to numbness.

Under stress, the body prioritizes certain functions, and in this case, the feeling of numbness serves as a way to cope with extreme anxiety or panic. Other responses such as strong muscle tension, relaxation of facial muscles, and dilation of blood vessels may occur in different contexts but are not typically associated with the sensation of feeling trapped in a flight response. Strong muscle tension might actually be a precursor to the flight or fight response rather than a symptom of feeling trapped.