How Fight-Flight-Freeze Relates To Trauma
Why Do I Feel So Out Of Control?
The fight-flight-freeze response is a natural physiological reaction that occurs in response to perceived danger or threat. This response is a survival mechanism that has evolved over thousands of years to help us respond quickly and effectively in dangerous situations. In this blog post, we will explore how the fight-flight-freeze response works, and how it can impact our daily lives.
The fight-flight-freeze response is triggered by the amygdala, a small almond-shaped structure in the brain that plays a critical role in processing emotions. When the amygdala perceives a threat, it sends a signal to the hypothalamus, which activates the sympathetic nervous system. This, in turn, triggers the release of adrenaline and other stress hormones, which prepare the body for action.
The fight response involves confronting the threat head-on. This can involve physical confrontation, verbal confrontation, or simply standing your ground. The fight response is characterized by a surge of energy, increased heart rate, and increased respiration. This response is helpful in situations where you need to defend yourself or someone else.
The flight response involves fleeing from the threat. This can involve running away, hiding, or avoiding the situation altogether. The flight response is characterized by a rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, and a surge of adrenaline. This response is helpful in situations where you are unable to fight the threat directly.
The freeze response involves staying still and silent in response to the threat. This can involve playing dead, hiding, or simply freezing in place. The freeze response is characterized by a decrease in heart rate, shallow breathing, and a decrease in muscle tension. This response is helpful in situations where remaining still and silent can help you avoid detection or escape unnoticed.
While the fight-flight-freeze response is a natural and adaptive response to danger, it can also be triggered in situations where there is no real threat. This can happen in response to everyday stressors, such as public speaking, meeting new people, or taking an exam. In these situations, the fight-flight-freeze response can cause a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including anxiety, sweating, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty concentrating.
The fight-flight-freeze response is closely linked to trauma. Trauma is defined as a psychological and emotional response to a distressing event or experience, such as physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, or accidents. When someone experiences trauma, their fight-flight-freeze response can become chronically activated, leading to a range of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms.
In the case of trauma, the fight-flight-freeze response may be triggered repeatedly, even in situations where there is no actual danger present. This can result in the person feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unable to cope with everyday stressors. This can also lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition characterized by intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors.
For individuals who have experienced trauma, therapy can be a helpful tool in managing the fight-flight-freeze response. Therapy can help individuals process their traumatic experiences, learn coping skills to manage their symptoms, and develop a sense of safety and control. Therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and somatic experiencing (SE) can be particularly effective in helping individuals manage the fight-flight-freeze response.
Understanding the fight-flight-freeze response can help you manage your reactions to perceived threats and stressors. By recognizing when you are experiencing this response, you can take steps to calm yourself down and regain control. This may involve practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation. It may also involve seeking support from a mental health professional, who can help you develop coping strategies to manage your stress and anxiety.
In conclusion, the fight-flight-freeze response is closely linked to trauma. When someone experiences trauma, their fight-flight-freeze response can become chronically activated, leading to a range of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. Therapy can be a helpful tool in managing the fight-flight-freeze response, helping individuals process their traumatic experiences and develop coping skills to manage their symptoms..