Understanding Trauma Responses: You Are Not Alone

“I am crazy”, “I am not normal”, “what is wrong with me?” These are common phrases uttered by survivors of sexual harm. But what if, as a survivor, you aren't crazy? What if what you are experiencing is actually normal following a traumatic event?

This article aims to help survivors understand that their responses are normal, while also challenging the views they may hold about themselves.

The Brain in Context

Firstly, it is important to understand the function of the brain. Besides regulating essential functions such as breathing and movement, the brain's primary role is to keep us safe. Unfortunately, this means that sometimes, we involuntarily sacrifice our happiness and quality of life. This is one of the downsides of how the most important part of our body works.

Simply put, the brain is built to adapt to our environment through evolution. As a result, it responds to threats (or perceived threats) in ways aimed at mitigating harm. Unfortunately, these methods can become maladaptive, meaning they are no longer as helpful as they once were.

How Does the Body Respond to Danger?

The body reacts to high-stress situations, such as sexual assault, in several ways. These responses can be categorised into different types: fight, flight, freeze, fawn, and flop. Stress responses are triggered primarily by the amygdala, a small part of the brain that acts as the “alarm system.” This system kicks the body into a stress response to minimise harm.

Fight

The fight response can manifest as a physical confrontation. This may include pushing, shoving, striking, or verbally resisting by saying “no.”

Flight

The flight response involves fleeing the threat. This is an attempt to create distance between the threat and the individual who feels endangered.

Freeze

The freeze response is an involuntary, instinctive reaction to a threat. It often looks like going tense and remaining silent. This response is also observed in animals, which may freeze to avoid a dangerous confrontation.

Freezing is a common reaction to rape and sexual assault. It is crucial to understand that freezing does not equate to giving consent.

Fawn

The fawn response is another involuntary reaction. It may involve calling for help or trying to befriend the threat through bribing or pleading. This is an attempt to mitigate harm.

Again, no strategy used to “befriend the threat” constitutes consent. Consent can only be given willingly, without thoughts of self-preservation behind it.

Flop

Finally, the flop response is similar to the freeze and fawn responses. It is also involuntary. In this case, individuals may experience a “blackout” and not remain fully aware of the situation. Their muscles may go limp. Once more, this does not equal consent.

As mentioned earlier, these stress responses may have served a purpose during the traumatic event. However, they can resurface when you feel they are unnecessary, making them maladaptive.

Trauma Symptoms

Trauma symptoms can manifest in various ways, including flashbacks, nightmares, dissociation, hypersexuality, and more. Despite the pain and inconvenience these responses bring, understanding their existence can be beneficial.

These responses serve as methods to keep us safe, even if they often feel debilitating. Neurological explanations outline why and how these symptoms occur. Here are some examples:

Flashbacks and Nightmares

The difference between nightmares and flashbacks is that nightmares occur during sleep, while flashbacks happen while you are awake. There are several types of flashbacks, such as somatic flashbacks.

The hippocampus, located towards the centre of the brain, is responsible for encoding and organising memories in context. This allows us to recognise when events happened in the past.

In the context of trauma, the hippocampus can become dysregulated and even shrink. This inhibits its function, making it neurologically difficult for survivors to recognise that they are safe and no longer enduring the traumatic event.

In other words, they may re-experience their trauma due to neurological changes following a traumatic event. The hippocampus struggles to keep the traumatic event in the past.

What Can Survivors Take Away from This?

In the wise words of Carolyn Spring, a trauma response is a normal reaction to an abnormal event. This is evidenced by the distinct, involuntary neurological changes that occur in the brain after a traumatic experience.

For survivors, understanding that their brains have literally changed structure can be a crucial first step in recovery. Acknowledging that their neurons have rewired themselves to preserve safety, while also recognising the detrimental effects of trauma responses, can be empowering.

This knowledge can help survivors realise they are not crazy or abnormal. They are normal, and there is nothing wrong with them. Survivors have adapted neurologically to minimise future harm, sometimes to their detriment. The brain is designed to keep us safe, not necessarily happy.

Moving Forward: Embracing Healing

Healing from trauma is a journey. It requires patience, understanding, and often professional support. As you navigate this path, remember that your feelings and reactions are valid.

Seeking help from a professional therapist can provide you with the tools and support needed for personal growth. You deserve to heal and reclaim your life.

If you are looking for support, consider exploring options for online therapy. It can be a flexible and effective way to address your needs. Remember, you are not alone in this journey.

By understanding your trauma responses, you can take the first steps toward healing. Embrace the knowledge that you are not defined by your experiences. Instead, you are on a path to recovery and personal growth.