When most people think of trauma responses usually they think of “fight-or-flight” but there are actually four different types of trauma responses: flight, fight, freeze or fawn. Having a better understanding of the different ways trauma can show up can help to create more insight while you or someone you love is in the healing process.
According to the CDC, traumatic events are “marked by a sense of horror, helplessness, serious injury, or the threat of serious injury or death. Traumatic events affect survivors, rescue workers, and the friends and relatives of victims who have been involved. They may also have an impact on people who have seen the event either firsthand or on television.”
After a traumatic event it’s natural for the brain and body to want to protect itself from experiencing that pain again. While some protective measures are healthy and helpful, some are not. Let’s take a deeper look into these four trauma responses and how they could show up and why.
Flight
This could show up as avoidance or perfectionism. This could also show up as feeling trapped or anxious. There could also be a need to constantly be busy or trying to find distractions. The flight response aims to protect by allowing you to escape from the threat.
Fight
This could show up as verbal or physical fighting. It could also show up as feelings of aggression, irritability or anger. The fight response could also show up as being combative or being easily threatened. The fight response aims to protect by equipping you to confront the threat.
Freeze
This could show up as struggling with making decisions. It could also show up as disconnecting from yourself. The freeze response could also show up as numbing, isolation and disassociation. The freeze response aims to protect by “hiding”, slowing down and preparing to face the threat.
Fawn
This could show up as people-pleasing behavior and disregarding personal needs for the sake of others. This could also show up as a lack of boundaries and a loss of identity. This could also show up as trying to be as useful as possible. The fawn response aims to protect by pleasing or appeasing the threat to prevent harm.
Curious to learn more about trauma and the brain? Watch the following videos:
If you’ve experienced a traumatic event and you’ve noticed that your protective strategies are becoming unhelpful and/or difficult to manage, seek out professional help. Space Between Counseling services offers a team of clinicians with various specialties that may be able to assist you in processing your trauma and moving towards post-traumatic growth.
Meet the Author:
Amber Tunney, Graduate Student Intern
Amber works with clients in all life stages in Baltimore who struggling with transitions. She has a special interest in working with clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, low self worth and relationship anxiety. She also has experience working with clients who have ADHD and who have suffered from trauma.
When Amber isn’t working on her coursework or with clients, she enjoys spending time with her partner, family, friends and pups enjoying the nice sunny weather, mostly outdoors. Amber is currently accepting new clients on Tuesdays and will have additional availability in September.