The fight or flight instinct comes in another form: Freeze. This happens when the brain accepts the futility of the scenario, doesn’t have enough information to make a decision, or is overwhelmed by too many stimuli. In some cases this can help an animal camouflage itself. However, when faced with modern threats like vehicles or firearms, this response (or lack thereof) is rarely effective.

Fear of uncertainty, not knowing where to go or what to do and therefore doing nothing: these are very relatable behaviors. Modern human problems are often not as pressing as a car barreling towards you, yet they are still capable of causing damage if not dealt with. Problems only become bigger problems when they are ignored. Prune before it is overgrown, move before you are overrun–even though your instinct may be to freeze.