Recognizing trauma responses

This post was written by Corry Hawkins, LCSW, Parkview Employer Solutions.

Understanding trauma responses can help people recognize that many emotions and behaviors are rooted in survival. Trauma responses are automatic reactions to life-threatening or overwhelming situations. These responses are not voluntary and can vary. What is traumatic for one person may not affect another in the same way.

Trauma responses are commonly grouped into four categories:

• Fight involves protection through aggression or control.

• Flight looks like trying to escape or avoidance.

• Freeze manifests through shutting down or invisibility.

• Fawn appears as people-pleasing or compliance.

These survival strategies are designed to keep us safe but can persist after the threat has passed. It is common for the nervous system to remain on high alert, especially when encountering trauma triggers.

Trauma triggers are sensory and emotional reminders—such as sounds, smells, places, people, or experiences—that cause the brain and nervous system to react as if the trauma is happening again. When triggered, trauma responses can re-emerge and lead to ongoing symptoms.

Symptoms of trauma vary widely and can impact emotional, mental, physiological, behavioral and relational functioning. Common symptoms include:

• Anxiety

• Hypervigilance or heightened state of awareness

• Panic

• Anger

• Numbing

• Dissociation or disconnecting from thoughts, feelings, memories or sense of identity

• Depression

• Shame

• Guilt

• Isolation

• Memory and concentration problems

• Sleep problems

• Flashbacks

• Nightmares

• Avoidance of triggers

• Risk-taking behaviors

• Paranoia

• Relational insecurity

While trauma responses are normal after overwhelming experiences, unprocessed trauma can lead to long-term challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain, anxiety, depression, medical concerns and relationship difficulties.

It is never too late to seek help! Specialized trauma therapies are available, and finding a trusted therapist is an important first step.

Helping you weather life’s storms

If your employer provides an EAP service, reach out to your EAP providers for sessions or guidance on first steps in trauma treatment. If you’re an employer interested in providing this mental health resource to your team, contact ParkviewEmployerSolutions@parkview.com.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

You can also contact the Parkview Behavioral Health Institute HelpLine, a free and confidential mental health and crisis support service available 24/7 at 260-471-9440 or 1-800-284-8439 (toll-free). Trained professionals are available around the clock to provide support, guidance and assistance when you need it most.