Can i defrost my freezer using my temperature controls?

Everytime i turn off the freezer using the temperature controls it automatically turns off the refrigerator...what moron designed that? Why have seperate controls if turning one of automatically turns the other off? Anyway, its a GE in case it matters. I guess i have to just open the door and let it melt that way? Seems retarded to have temperature controls but not be able to set them however you want.