Understanding Trauma Responses: Navigating the Complex World of C-PTSD
Trauma is a deeply personal experience that can leave lasting marks on our emotional and mental well-being. For many, the effects of trauma are not just fleeting moments of distress but an ongoing struggle that impacts daily life. Those who have experienced complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) often find themselves caught in a web of overwhelming emotions and reactions, shaped by their past experiences. It’s important to recognize that trauma responses are natural survival instincts that develop in response to prolonged threats and danger. By understanding these responses, we can begin to navigate our healing journey with compassion and insight.
In our brains, various survival mechanisms emerge, each influenced by the different ways we respond to threats. These responses—fight, flight, freeze, submit, and the cry for help—represent instinctive reactions that can dominate our behavior and feelings. Let’s explore these responses in more detail:
Fight
The fight response can be likened to a soldier on high alert, always scanning for danger. People who experience this response may find it challenging to relax or switch off their minds. They might feel a constant tension in their neck, arms, and shoulders, as if their muscles are perpetually clenched. This hypervigilance often comes with mistrust and a tendency to view others with suspicion. While the fight response can serve as a protector, it can also lead to difficulties in relationships and a sense of isolation.
Flight
The flight response manifests as a desire to escape from situations or emotions. Those who resonate with this response may feel an urge to distance themselves from others, leading to patterns of disappearing from therapy sessions or relationships. Flight can show itself through restless movements, like bouncing legs or a tendency to sit on the edge of a chair, ready to run. This response often turns to addictive behaviors or eating disorders, providing temporary relief from painful feelings by “turning off” the body. The flight response can leave individuals feeling trapped, echoing the sentiment, “I just want to be out of here.”
Freeze
When faced with overwhelming fear, the freeze response takes over. This defensive strategy heightens alertness, keeping the individual in a state of readiness. Physical signs may include a still body, halted breathing, or wide eyes, signaling a state of panic or terror. The freeze response is often linked to feelings of helplessness and an acute awareness of danger. It’s a response that can keep individuals locked in fear, making it difficult to move forward.
Submit
The submit response is characterized by feelings of shame and self-loathing. Individuals may feel chronically depressed, passive, and unable to advocate for their own needs. This part of the self often blames itself for various circumstances and goes along with others to avoid conflict. Physical manifestations may include hunched shoulders, avoiding eye contact, and a bowed head. The submit response can cultivate feelings of hopelessness and self-hatred, sometimes leading individuals to long for an escape from their pain.
Attach/Cry for Help
Lastly, the cry for help response is akin to the vulnerable needs of a child. This part seeks connection and reassurance from others, often feeling dependent and fearful of abandonment. Individuals with this response may express a deep longing for care and support, feeling like they need someone to come to their aid. This childlike part craves closeness but struggles with the fear of being left alone.
Moving Forward
Understanding these trauma responses is crucial for anyone navigating the aftermath of trauma. Recognizing these parts within ourselves allows for greater self-compassion and the potential for healing. If you find yourself relating to these experiences, know that you are not alone, and help is available. Seeking support from mental health professionals can provide the guidance and understanding necessary for healing and reclaiming your life. Remember, acknowledging your experiences is the first step toward transformation and recovery.