TRAUMA STRESS RESPONSES

Breaking down the stress responses of trauma:

Fight Response: The fight response is all about self-preservation. A healthy fight response is when you set boundaries, are assertive, dare to speak up, or protect yourself against verbal or physical abuse.  

The unhealthy expression of the fight response usually occurs when a person bursts out in anger, speaks in a demeaning way to others, has controlling behavior, narcissistic tendencies, and displays acts of bullying. Many times, especially with women, the anger is turned inward toward themselves, and they are angry for no apparent reason. 

Flight Response: The healthy expression of the fight-response is leaving a toxic relationship, disengaging from harmful conversations or social interactions, or removing yourself from dangerous situations.  

The unhealthy trauma-stress response of the flight mode is seen in people who have obsessive or compulsive tendencies. “Perfectionism” is another unhealthy expression as they believe that people will not reject them when they “do” everything right. Workaholics and people who constantly have to keep busy or people experiencing panic attacks or live in constant fear also use the unhealthy expression of the flight response.  

Freeze Response: A healthy freeze response is when a person is fully present in the moment, practices self-awareness, and is mindful of people around them. They do not react negatively when confronted but take the time to reflect and respond in a healthy way.  

The unhealthy way that the flight response is expressed is when people become so overwhelmed by fear that they cannot move. Another example is when a child becomes very quiet to avoid the wrath of an abusive parent. People who have difficulty making decisions, who feel constantly dissociated from the world, or who finds comfort in solitude are also expressing the flight response in an unhealthy way. “Zoning out” or “brain fog” are other feelings experienced by people who use the unhealthy flight response.  

Fawning Response: Fawning is an unfamiliar stress response, and it is primarily related to people-pleasing. The healthy expression of the fawn-response is a person who can show compassion for others, knows how to compromise, actively listen to others, and seeks fairness in all situations. 

The unhealthy way of expressing the fawn response is where people are too accommodating of others’ needs that they often find themselves in co-dependent relationships.