Fight, flight, freeze and fawn are four common responses to stress and trauma. Trauma responses are instinctive reactions to perceived threats that can have a significant impact on mental and physical health. Understanding these reactions and learning to recognize them in ourselves and others is an important step in managing and preventing trauma and its potentially damaging effects.
At Purple Sky Counseling in Murray, UT, our team of mental health experts is dedicated to helping those struggling with trauma and related challenges. We offer a range of therapeutic services, including trauma-focused therapy to help individuals recognize their own trauma responses and learn to cope with them. Read on to learn more about fight, flight, freeze and fawn and how they can affect physical and mental health.
Fight:
The fight response is an instinctive reaction to a perceived threat or overwhelming stressor. It is characterized by an aggressive and confrontational attitude, as well as physical or verbal aggression. When faced with a perceived threat, someone in fight mode may lash out verbally or physically in an effort to defend themselves.
Flight:
The flight response to stress and trauma is an instinctive reaction to a perceived threat. It is characterized by an attempt to flee the situation or to remove oneself from the perceived danger. People in flight mode may attempt to escape the situation by running away or by withdrawing emotionally.
Freeze:
The freeze response is often an initial reaction to a traumatic event or perceived threat. It is characterized by an inability to move, speak, or act. This can be an instinctive way to cope with overwhelming fear or stress, but it can also be a sign of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Fawn:
The fawn response is an attempt to avoid a perceived threat or danger. It is characterized by an attempt to appease or please the perceived threat in order to avoid harm. People in fawn mode may try to “play nice” or act submissively in order to avoid confrontation or conflict.
How to Recognize and Manage Fight, Flight, Freeze & Fawn Responses
Recognizing these instinctive reactions to stress and trauma is an important step in managing and preventing trauma and its potentially damaging effects. It is important to be aware of when we are in a fight, flight, freeze or fawn response and to be mindful of the ways this reaction can affect our physical and mental health.
One of the most effective ways to manage these reactions is to engage in trauma-focused therapy. At Purple Sky Counseling in Murray, UT, our team of experienced mental health professionals offers a range of therapies to help individuals recognize and manage their trauma responses. We provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to learn to recognize and manage their own trauma responses in order to achieve better mental and physical health.
Conclusion
Fight, flight, freeze and fawn are common responses to stress and trauma. Understanding these reactions and learning to recognize them in ourselves and others is an important step in managing and preventing trauma and its potentially damaging effects. At Purple Sky Counseling in Murray, UT, our team of mental health experts is dedicated to helping those struggling with trauma and related challenges. We offer a range of therapeutic services, including trauma-focused therapy, to help individuals recognize and manage their trauma responses. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.