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Fight, flight, and freeze responses are natural reactions to trauma from "summary" of Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma by Peter A. Levine,Ph.D.
When faced with a traumatic event, our bodies respond in ways that are deeply rooted in our evolutionary past. These automatic reactions are designed to help us survive in dangerous situations. The fight response prepares us to confront the threat head-on, using our strength and aggression to defend ourselves. The flight response, on the other hand, prompts us to flee from danger, seeking safety and escape. Finally, the freeze response causes us to become immobile, like a deer in headlights, hoping to go unnoticed by the predator. These responses are not voluntary; they are instinctual reactions that are triggered in the face of overwhelming danger. In the wild, these responses serve a critical function, helping animals to survive life-threatening situations. However, in the modern world, where threats are often psychological rather than physical, these responses can become maladaptive, leading to chronic stress, anxiety, and other symptoms of trauma. The fight, flight, and freeze responses are deeply ingrained in our nervous system, which is why they can be so difficult to control or suppress. When we experience trauma, our bodies are flooded with stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, that prime us for action. These hormones trigger a cascade of physiological changes that prepare us to fight, flee, or freeze in the face of danger. In order to heal from trauma, it is essential to understand and work with these natural responses. By becoming more aware of our body's reactions and learning to regulate our nervous system, we can begin to process and release the trapped energy of trauma. Through practices such as mindfulness, somatic experiencing, and other body-centered therapies, we can learn to modulate our arousal levels and restore balance to our nervous system.- By honoring and respecting the wisdom of our body's natural responses to trauma, we can begin the journey of healing and transformation. It is through this process of self-discovery and self-compassion that we can reclaim our sense of safety, resilience, and connection to ourselves and the world around us.
