catatonic - KAT-uh-TON-ik - in a state of stupor, inertia, trance-like
Example: "In reaction to the death of a loved one a person, at least for a time, could become catatonic, submerged in sadness."
As a starter: and as a former teacher in English, I hope to add to reader's vocabulary by presenting a word a day in simple terms that anyone can understand - from current use in publications, radio,TV, etc. Remember: use a new word three times in a day and it's yours forever!