A catatonic state is when a person's body and mind are stuck in one position and they don't move or respond to their environment. It can be like the person is frozen in place. It can happen when someone is very scared or very sad, or it can happen for no reason. It can last for a few minutes or it might take days or weeks for the person to start moving or talking again. Doctors try to help people who are in a catatonic state with special medicines and therapy.