A trauma response is the body and mind’s automatic reaction to a deeply distressing or threatening event. It’s how a person survives, processes, and adapts after trauma.

Common Types of Trauma Responses
Fight — Reacting with aggression or control to regain safety or power.
Example: Arguing, yelling, or trying to dominate a situation.

Flight — Escaping or avoiding the threat.
Example: Running away, overworking, or distracting oneself to feel safe.

Freeze — Becoming immobile or numb.
Example: Feeling paralyzed, dissociated, or “checked out.”

Fawn — Appeasing others to avoid harm.
Example: People-pleasing, suppressing personal needs, or trying to keep peace at any cost.

Psychological Effects
Hypervigilance (always on alert)

Emotional numbness or detachment

Intrusive memories or flashbacks

Shame, guilt, or self-blame

Difficulty trusting others or regulating emotions

Physiological Effects
Heightened heart rate, muscle tension, or rapid breathing

Sleep problems or fatigue

Chronic stress or health issues from prolonged activation of the stress response system

Healing Involves
Safety and stabilization (feeling secure in one’s body and environment)

Processing the traumatic memory in therapy

Reconnecting with self and others through trust, mindfulness, and self-compassion.

Shervan K Shahhian