The Body’s Responses to Trauma


The Body's Responses to Trauma, EMDR therapy, specialized EMDR therapist, Coquitlam Counsellors

Understanding the body’s responses to trauma is the first step when trying to heal from a traumatic event. The fight-or-flight response is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event, attack, or threat to survival. The fight or flight response was first described by Walter Cannon in the early 20th century. It is an automatic and fast response of the body that prepares you to either fight the threat or flee from it.

Here’s why your body chooses these responses when facing trauma:

  1. Evolutionary Adaptation: The fight-or-flight response has evolved over millions of years as a survival mechanism. Early humans who could quickly respond to threats were more likely to survive and pass on their genes.
  2. Activation of the Sympathetic Nervous System: When you perceive a threat, your brain, specifically the amygdala, signals the hypothalamus to activate the sympathetic nervous system. This leads to the release of adrenaline and other stress hormones, preparing your body to either confront or escape the danger.
  3. Physiological Changes: The release of stress hormones results in several physiological changes:
    • Increased heart rate and blood pressure to supply muscles with more oxygen.
    • Rapid breathing to increase oxygen intake.
    • Redistribution of blood flow from non-essential to essential muscles.
    • Release of glucose and fats from storage for quick energy.
    • Heightened senses and sharpened focus.
  4. Psychological Preparedness: Alongside the physical changes, your mind becomes hyper-alert, and you may experience heightened emotions like fear or anger. These psychological states prepare you mentally to take action quickly.
  5. Survival Prioritization: In situations of acute trauma, the body prioritizes immediate survival over other functions, such as digestion or immune responses. This is why you might feel a dry mouth, or your stomach might feel “knotted” when scared.
  6. Automatic Response: The fight-or-flight response is largely automatic and occurs without conscious thought. It allows for a rapid reaction to danger, often faster than you could consciously decide what to do.
The Body's Responses to Trauma, EMDR therapy, specialized EMDR therapist, Coquitlam Counsellors

When facing a traumatic event, the body can exhibit several responses beyond the traditional “fight or flight.” These responses can be categorized as follows:

  1. Fight: Preparing to confront the threat aggressively. This can involve heightened anger, increased muscle tension, and a readiness to engage in physical action.
  2. Flight: Preparing to escape the threat. This involves the physiological changes necessary to run away, such as increased heart rate and rapid breathing.
  3. Freeze: An often-overlooked response where the individual becomes immobile or feels paralyzed. This can be a way of becoming less noticeable to the threat or preparing the body for less damage in the event of an attack.
  4. Fawn: This response involves trying to appease or please the threat to avoid conflict. It’s a way of reducing danger by placating the aggressor.
  5. Flop: A response where the body goes limp or faints. This can be a protective mechanism, making the person appear less threatening or less appealing to the aggressor.

These responses are all part of the body’s automatic survival mechanisms. Here’s a more detailed look at each:

  • Fight:
    • Involves increased adrenaline, which provides energy and strength.
    • Heightened aggression and readiness to engage in physical confrontation.
    • Increased blood flow to muscles, preparing them for action.
  • Flight:
    • Similar physiological changes as fight, with a focus on escaping the threat.
    • Enhanced speed and agility.
    • Increased awareness of escape routes.
  • Freeze:
    • Involves a sudden halt in movement and a reduction in detectable signs of life (like making less noise).
    • Can be seen as a way to avoid detection.
    • Often accompanied by a feeling of numbness or dissociation.
  • Fawn:
    • Engaging in behaviors meant to please or pacify the threat.
    • Can involve agreeing with or placating the aggressor.
    • A way to avoid direct confrontation by making oneself appear non-threatening.
  • Flop:
    • Involves a sudden loss of muscle tone, resulting in the body going limp.
    • Can be a protective mechanism to avoid harm by appearing unconscious or dead.
    • This response can sometimes occur in extreme fear or hopelessness.

These responses are automatic and can vary based on the individual’s past experiences, personality, and the specific nature of the threat. They are all aimed at increasing the chances of survival in the face of danger.