Trauma: Anxious behaviors may actually be trauma responses.

There are 2 main types of trauma that most people are familiar with Fight and Flight, however two other trauma reactions that often go unnoticed are Freeze and Fawn. When you live in the world you are sure to experiences many stressors and unexpected life events that can change the way you behave.

If you have experienced ongoing intense trauma such as discrimination, intergenerational trauma, work place trauma and even medical trauma, you may find that having explosive anger or needing to stay busy at all times may be stored in your nervous system and has become apart of your how you cope when perceived threats and this is considered maladaptive cope skills.

Most of use are unaware that we are responding this way until, we realize we are unable to maintain friendships, losing jobs and even sometimes have legal problems which often can lead to having an anxiety disorder or mood disorder. Trauma shows up in your life in many ways fear of failure, not feeling good enough and a need to plan for everything, just to name a few.

Let me break down how fight, flight, freeze and fawn can show up as trauma responses you may not be aware of.

FIGHT- Common behavior- Temper Angry outburs

Trauma repsonse: Can look like being a workaholic and or difficulty sitting still.

FLIGHT-Common behavior- Feelings of Pain and Anxiety

Trauma response: Can look like needing to stay busy all the time.

FREEZE- Common behavior- Detached, Depression

Trauma Response: Can look like having difficulty making decision or feeling spaced out.

FAWN- Common behavior-Avoid Conflict

Can look like highly concerned with fitting in or having lack of boundaries (people pleaser).

If you can identify with any of the trauma responses, don’t be discouraged therapy is a great way to explore and discover how your life experiences may have shaped your maladaptive behaviors. It may have been the best way to response at a certain time in your life to keep you safe and that’s ok. The first step it being able to ask for help. Therapy can help you learn new ways to regulate your nervous system in order be heal and have a better self awareness. One of the best ways to start your healing process is movement and exercise. As trauma disrupts your body’s natural equilibrium, exercise and movement can help repair your nervous system. I offer Walk and Talk Therapy session as one form of treatment to help with my clients that prefer to get off the couch. To learn more about my Walk and Talk therapy services visit my treatment services page.