Trauma is a highly complex and deeply impactful experience that could and can have an impact on one’s psychological, emotional, and physical well-being long after the traumatic event has occurred. As a response to a traumatic event, a person will often exhibit a wide range of reactions and behaviors known as trauma responses. These reactions are not just a normal and natural human response to the human psyche but also a survival mechanism that would allow individuals to cope with the situation. Through this article, we will dive deeper into the different kinds of responses and the strategies for navigating their effects.

The Nature of Trauma Responses: Flight, Fight, Freeze, and Fawn

• Flight: The flight response involves trying to escape or avoid the source of trauma. Individuals could feel a strong need to run away from the situation physically, emotionally or mentally. This response is a survival instinct aimed at minimizing danger.
• Fight: The fight response manifests in the form of heightened aggression or a need to confront the source of trauma. When someone enters the fight response, they may become defensive, argumentative, and maybe even confrontational in an attempt to protect themselves from further harm.
• Freeze: The freeze response is characterized by a sense of paralysis, where a person’s body or mind seems irresponsive or has shut down. This can appear as a feeling of numbness, disassociation, or disconnection from reality. This response can be seen as a defense mechanism that would allow the person to detach themselves from the overwhelming experience or situation.
• Fawn: The fawn mechanism presents itself in the form of prioritizing others’ needs to avoid conflict or harm. It usually involves people-pleasing, over-compliance, and seeking external validation to maintain harmony and safety.

It is very important to keep in mind that these are not the only responses to trauma as there can be variations and combinations of the above categories. Everyone will exhibit different reactions based on their personal history, context, and nature of the traumatic event. No two experiences are the same hence no two responses are the same. 

Complex Trauma Responses: Beyond Fight, Flight, Freeze and Fawn 

While the above four categories are the most common reactions to trauma, more complex responses surface in the aftermath of prolonged or repeated traumatic experiences. These responses may include:

• Disassociation: This includes a sense of detachment from oneself, body, or reality. Disassociation can lead to feelings of depersonalization (feeling disconnected from your own body) or derealization (feeling that the world is not real or unfamiliar).
• Hyperarousal: Refers to an extreme state of heightened alertness and sensitivity. Individuals have trouble sleeping, experience irritability, and are easily startled.
• Avoidance: This response involves actively avoiding reminders or situations that are associated with the trauma. Avoidance can be an adaptive strategy to prevent the repetition of trauma, but it can also limit a person’s ability to engage with daily life.

Navigating Trauma Responses: Healing and Recovery

Recovery from trauma is a unique and individualized journey that needs patience, self-compassion,

and oftentimes professional support. Here are some strategies that can aid in navigating trauma

responses.

• Seek Professional Help: Therapists and Life coaches specialized in trauma, such as those trained in trauma-focused behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), can provide targeted interventions to help individuals process and heal from trauma.
• Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that promote physical and emotional well-being, such as exercise, mindfulness, meditation, and spending time with loved ones.
• Create a Supportive Network: Surround yourself with understanding and compassionate people who can provide emotional support and a safe space for sharing your experiences.
• Educate Yourself: Learn about trauma responses and their effects. Understanding the science behind trauma can help you make sense of your reactions and reduce self-blame.
• Express Yourself: Engage in creative outlets such as art, journaling, or music to express your emotions in a healthy way.

Conclusion

Trauma Responses are complex and have so many varied reactions that one might experience in the

wake of traumatic events. They are the body and mind’s way of coping with overwhelming

experiences. Understanding these responses and seeking support are vital steps in the healing

process. Remember that healing takes time, and with the right resources, guidance, strategies and

time, you can work towards reclaiming your sense of safety, control, and well-being after trauma.

Keep in mind that each person is different and what may work for you may not work for someone

else and vice versa so it is important to find what works for you.

Sources

• Lewis, Melinda, and Dione King. “Teaching Self-Care: The Utilization of Self-Care in Social Work Practicum to Prevent Compassion Fatigue, Burnout, and Vicarious Trauma.” Journal of Human Behaviour in the Social Environment, vol. 29, no. 1: Self-Care and Vicarious Trauma, 7 Jan. 2019. 96-106, https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/10911359.2018.1482482.
• Peters, Wilma, et al. “Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) for Interpersonal Trauma in Transitional Aged Youth.” American Psychological Association, 2021, psycnet.apa.org/record/2021-23275-002.
• Shapiro, Francine, and Deany Laliotis. “EMDR Therapy for Trauma-Related Disorders.” SpringerLink, 1 Jan. 1970, link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-07109-1_11.
• Taylor, Martin. “Acute Stress Response: Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn.” WebMD, 28 Apr. 2022, www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-does-fight-flight-freeze-fawn-mean.