The six trauma responses, also known as the six ways our bodies and minds react to trauma, are: fight, flight, freeze, fawn, flop, and appease.
Understanding Trauma Responses
These responses are automatic, unconscious reactions to perceived threat or danger. They're designed to help us survive, but they can become problematic if they're triggered frequently or in inappropriate situations.
The Six Trauma Responses:
- Fight: This response involves aggression and confrontation. People who react with fight might become physically or verbally aggressive, or they might lash out in anger.
- Flight: This response involves escaping the situation. People who react with flight might run away, withdraw, or avoid situations that trigger their trauma.
- Freeze: This response involves becoming immobile or numb. People who react with freeze might appear detached, unresponsive, or like they're in a daze.
- Fawn: This response involves trying to please others and avoid conflict. People who react with fawn might become overly accommodating, compliant, or submissive.
- Flop: This response involves giving up and feeling hopeless. People who react with flop might become depressed, withdrawn, or lose interest in things they used to enjoy.
- Appease: This response involves trying to calm the situation down. People who react with appease might apologize excessively, make excuses, or try to smooth things over.
Importance of Recognizing Trauma Responses
Understanding trauma responses can help us:
- Identify our own triggers: Recognizing our typical responses to stress can help us understand what triggers our trauma responses.
- Develop coping strategies: Once we identify our triggers, we can develop healthy coping strategies to manage them.
- Build empathy: Understanding that trauma responses are involuntary can help us be more understanding and compassionate towards ourselves and others.
