In situations of extreme duress, many have heard of the two classic responses: Fight or Flight. For many years, we assumed most people fell into one of these two categories. They either respond by standing up to the challenge and fighting back, or they respond by fleeing and looking for safety.

But, of course, the human brain is much more complex than that, and over the years as mental health professionals have studied trauma responses, it’s been found that a person’s response to a traumatic event, or series of events can fluctuate, and it moves beyond the boundaries of simply fight or flight. The brain is wired to protect, but each person’s wiring will look different based on their backgrounds, their cultures, and the nature of their trauma.

How the Brain Reacts to Trauma

In reality, the brain is equipped with not just two, but four, mechanisms for defense. Your past experiences, personality, and environment all have an impact on your responses to trauma. As discussed in an earlier post, when you experience trauma, your brain releases cortisol into the body. This chemical response is your body’s defense mechanism, meant to help you flee dangerous situations. Still, when you experience heightened trauma or extended exposure to traumatic experiences, those cortisol levels remain elevated in the body. When you experience a short trauma, these chemical responses settle quickly, but when you’re exposed to prolonged trauma or an event that leaves a lasting mark physically or emotionally, these chemical responses become heightened and elevated for longer periods. The four responses to trauma are Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn.

The Four Responses to Trauma

Fight: When your fight mechanism is activated, you may find yourself responding to events aggressively. This is your anger response. Signs that you may be stuck in fight mode include (but are not limited to):

• Increased heart rate

• Higher blood pressure

• Intense feelings of anger

• An urge to lash out at even the smallest offense

• Feeling easily agitated

• Hypervigilance

One who is stuck in fight mode may find themselves quick to anger, often offended, and prone to damaging relationships with the people they love.

Flight: In flight mode, a person will have the urge to run away—to flee what their brain perceives as danger. Like the ‘fight’ mode, flight is often accompanied by a rush of adrenaline and increased heart rate. Signs that you might be stuck in flight mode include (but are not limited to): 

• Panic and anxiety

• The urge to flee

• A desire to isolate

• Fidgeting

• A feeling of being trapped

• Avoiding confrontation or perceived threats

A person stuck in flight mode will often leave any potentially stressful situation, including conversations that feel threatening or confrontational. They can potentially isolate themselves, which can lead to depression and anxiety disorders.

Freeze: While fight and flight are stress responses that send your body into some sort of motion, the freeze response is your brain’s way of shutting down. Some animals are known to play dead when they are in dangerous or stressful situations—they go into what is scientifically known as tonic immobility. This extreme physical response allows their bodies to go completely still and numb, mimicking death and thereby protecting them from harm.

Humans can experience a form of this kind of brain freeze, particularly when they experience extreme trauma like physical or sexual abuse. Symptoms of freeze mode include (but are not limited to): 

• Decreased heart rate

• Detachment from the environment around you

• Holding your breath

• Confusion or disorientation

• A feeling of immobility

• Being unable to take action

• A sense of being out of control

A person stuck in freeze mode often feels as though they are incapable of acting in dangerous situations. They may even temporarily be rendered mute when faced with a perceived threat.

Fawn: In situations of abuse, a person may resort to the fawn mode. This is the response that tells a person it is safer to be subservient or obedient rather than to fight or flee. While similar to the freeze response, a person who fawns tends to focus on the needs of others while ignoring their well-being because it feels safer than fighting back. Symptoms of fawn mode include (but are not limited to): 

• Unhealthy boundaries

• An inability to say no

• Being an extreme people-pleaser

• Placing others’ needs before your health and well-being

• Doing what you’re told no matter what

The fawn response is seen most often in abusive situations where one person has less power than another and submits to the more powerful in an attempt at self-preservation.

Finding Support and Healing in Tampa

If you believe that you, or someone you love, is stuck in one of these trauma responses, please call Christian Counseling of Tampa and let us connect you with a licensed trauma specialist who can help you navigate the waters of your trauma and heal from the inside.

If you believe that you, or someone you love, is stuck in one of these trauma responses, please consider connecting with Christian Counseling of Tampa. Let us connect you with a licensed trauma specialist who can help you navigate the waters of your trauma and heal from the inside. Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way offering support and guidance, combining faith-based principles with evidence-based techniques to help you understand the trauma responses. Reach out today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you.

Read more about Counseling for Trauma in Tampa, FL

Understanding Trauma and Finding Support in Tampa

Exploring Trauma Therapy Options at Christian Counseling of South Tampa

You don't have to suffer in silence or feel overwhelmed by your trauma. Our therapists can offer support for trauma from our North Tampa, FL office located in the Northdale neighborhood and our South Tampa, FL office. To start trauma therapy, follow these simple steps:  

Contact Christian Counseling of Tampa

Meet with a caring therapist

Start learning to manage your symptoms associated with your trauma.

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Counseling for trauma individuals isn't the only service offered by our Tampa, FL-based practice. Our team is happy to offer a variety of services in support of your mental health. Other services offered include child therapy, premarital counseling, Christian counseling, therapy for anxiety, marriage intensives, trauma, and therapy for depression. We use a variety of treatment modalities including CBT, EFT, grief therapy, and more! Feel free to learn more about us by visiting our FAQ or blog today!