In this episode of Safely Divergent, Kirstie and Eleanor trade last week’s meltdown tales for a quieter—but no less intense—survival strategy: shutdown. What does it actually mean when your brain goes blank, your body stills, and suddenly you’re horizontal on the couch thinking about everything and doing… absolutely nothing?They explore the neuroscience behind the freeze response, from Sue Johnson’s "demon dialogues" to the very real physiological signs of dissociation. You’ll hear how shutdowns differ from meltdowns, why they’re often misunderstood as laziness or disinterest, and how to spot one in yourself (or a loved one) before spiraling into guilt or confusion.The episode gets candid about how shutdowns show up in relationships, what recovery actually takes (hint: margaritas may be involved), and why reframing shutdown as a protective response is the first step toward repair.Then, in a serotonin-sparking left turn, Eleanor takes us on a wild, gas-powered float down sloth fact lane—including poop dances, surprise swimming skills, and the real danger they face today. 🕒 Timestamps: 00:01 – What shutdown feels like inside & why your brain goes blank / 06:00 – The fight/flight vs freeze dynamic in relationships / 11:00 – Misreading shutdowns: Lazy? Disinterested? Or just overwhelmed? / 16:00 – Gentle recovery strategies & how not to trigger a second shutdown / 24:00 – 🦥 Sloths, poop rituals, and gassy swimming champions of the jungle / Resources & Mentions: Follow us on Instagram: @safelydivergent / Read the blog: safelydivergent.com / Cover art: Honor Heindel /Music by: Obey Grey

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