The Ways We Respond To Trauma

Trauma is like a rock thrown into a pond, creating ripples that affect everything around it. It can be a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope.

It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that someone is weak if they aren’t as adept at dealing with trauma as you are.

However, how we respond to trauma varies significantly from person to person and is influenced by a multitude of factors such as genetics, upbringing, personality, and the nature of the traumatic event itself.

Let’s have a brief look at these.

1. Genetics

Research suggests that certain genetic factors can predispose individuals to mental health conditions such as PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) or depression following a traumatic event.

For example, variations in genes related to the regulation of stress hormones like cortisol may impact an individual’s resilience to trauma.

Additionally, genetic factors can influence the way our brains process and store traumatic memories, contributing to differences in emotional regulation and coping mechanisms.

2. Upbringing

The environment in which we are raised, including our family dynamics, early childhood experiences, and cultural background, profoundly influences how we respond to trauma.

For instance, individuals who grow up in nurturing and supportive environments may develop secure attachment styles and have a stronger foundation for coping with adversity.

Conversely, those who experience neglect, abuse, or instability during childhood may be more vulnerable to the harmful effects of trauma and struggle with issues such as low self-esteem and trust issues.

Cultural norms and values also shape our understanding of trauma and influence the types of support and coping strategies available to us.

3. Personality

Our unique personality traits and coping styles play a crucial role in determining our response to trauma.

For example, naturally more resilient, adaptable, and optimistic individuals may be better equipped to bounce back from traumatic experiences and find meaning in adversity.

On the other hand, those who are more prone to anxiety, perfectionism, or avoidant behaviour may struggle to cope with trauma and experience heightened levels of distress.

Additionally, personality factors such as neuroticism and extraversion can impact how we perceive and react to stressful situations, shaping our emotional responses and coping strategies.

4. Nature of the Traumatic Event

The specific characteristics of the traumatic event itself can significantly influence how individuals respond and cope.

Factors such as the severity, duration, and proximity of the trauma, as well as the degree of perceived threat and loss involved, all play a role in shaping our emotional and physiological reactions.

For example, a sudden and unexpected trauma like a car accident may elicit immediate shock and disbelief. In contrast, prolonged exposure to trauma, such as ongoing abuse or combat, can lead to complex and enduring psychological effects.

Additionally, traumatic events that shatter our sense of safety, trust, and worldview are more likely to trigger intense emotional responses and long-term psychological distress.

So, given these factors, how do we tend to respond to trauma? How many ways are you aware of?

1. Fight or Flight

One typical response to trauma is “Fight or Flight”.

Our bodies kick into survival mode when faced with danger or a threatening situation. We either fight back against the threat or flee to safety.

This response is deeply ingrained in our evolutionary biology and can be observed across different species.

For example, imagine a person who narrowly escapes a car accident. In the immediate aftermath, they might feel a surge of adrenaline, enabling them to exit the vehicle and move away from the danger quickly.

The above is an example of physical flight. What is not so often considered, though, is psychological flight

Psychological flight is a response that involves seeking escape from the source of trauma through avoidance or distraction. It’s like trying to outrun your demons by keeping busy or numbing the pain with substances or activities.

Consider someone who experienced a traumatic event such as a house fire. Instead of confronting the emotional aftermath, they might throw themselves into work or engage in excessive drinking to avoid facing their feelings of fear and loss.

2. Freeze

Another response to trauma is “Freeze”.

Sometimes, when the threat is too overwhelming, or escape seems impossible, our bodies may enter a state of paralysis.

This freeze response is like hitting the pause button on life, allowing the individual to dissociate from the trauma momentarily.

Think of a deer caught in the headlights of a car. Unable to flee and unable to fight, it becomes immobilised, hoping the danger will pass.

3. Fawn

Then there’s “Fawn”, a response characterised by seeking to please or appease the source of the trauma.

It often manifests as a desperate attempt to avoid conflict or gain approval, even if it means sacrificing one’s needs or boundaries.

For instance, imagine a child growing up in an abusive household who learns to tiptoe around their volatile parent, constantly trying to avoid setting them off to minimize the risk of further harm.

4. Fixation

Some individuals respond to trauma with “Fixation”. They become fixated on the traumatic event, replaying it over and over in their minds or obsessively seeking out information about it.

This fixation can hinder the healing process, trapping the individual in a cycle of rumination and preventing them from moving forward.

For example, imagine someone who witnessed a violent crime becoming consumed with thoughts of what they could have done differently to prevent it.

5. Fulfilment

Then there’s “Fulfilment”, a response characterised by finding meaning or purpose in the aftermath of trauma.

Despite the pain and suffering, some individuals can draw strength from their experiences and use them as catalysts for personal growth and positive change.

This response is often associated with resilience and post-traumatic growth.

Consider someone who survives a natural disaster and, in the process, discovers a newfound appreciation for life and a deep sense of connection to their community.

6. Fragility

Lastly, there’s “Fragility”, a response marked by a heightened sensitivity to future stressors and a decreased ability to cope with adversity.

Trauma can leave a lasting imprint on the psyche, making individuals more susceptible to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

This fragility can be exacerbated by factors such as lack of social support or ongoing exposure to trauma.

Imagine a military veteran who returns home from combat with severe PTSD, struggling to adjust to civilian life and haunted by memories of the battlefield.

How human beings respond to trauma is as diverse and complex as the individuals themselves.

From fighting to fleeing, freezing to fawning, and everything in between, our responses are shaped by many factors. They can profoundly affect our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

By understanding these responses and the underlying mechanisms driving them, we can better support those who have experienced trauma and work towards creating a more compassionate and resilient society.

Until next time, try to help someone going through trauma.

Dion Le Roux

References:

1. American Psychological Association. (2017). “Understanding Traumatic Stress.” Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/understanding-traumatic-stress.pdf

2. Herman, J. L. (1997). “Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence–from Domestic Abuse to Political Terror.” Basic Books.

3. van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). “The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma.” Penguin Books.