Trauma Responses Explained: Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn
Trauma responses are automatic survival instincts your body developed to protect you during overwhelming or unsafe experiences. They’re not “overreactions” — they’re learned patterns that once kept you safe. Understanding these responses can help you make sense of behaviors, emotions, and reactions that feel confusing.
Fight Response
The fight response appears when your body senses danger and tries to regain control through action.
You might experience:
Irritability or anger
Feeling defensive
Needing to be right
Confronting problems immediately
Feeling overwhelmed in conflict
This response is rooted in wanting to feel powerful or safe again.
Flight Response
Flight is the instinct to escape — physically, emotionally, or mentally.
You might notice:
Overworking
Constant busyness
Avoiding conflict
Feeling anxious or restless
Difficulty relaxing
Flight is often about staying ahead of fear.
Freeze Response
Freeze happens when your body shuts down to protect you when escape or fighting feels impossible.
You might experience:
Feeling stuck or numb
Disconnecting during stress
Difficulty making decisions
Dissociation
Feeling disconnected from yourself
Freeze isn’t failure — it’s protection.
Fawn Response
Fawning is the instinct to please, appease, or accommodate others to stay safe.
You might notice:
People-pleasing
Difficulty saying no
Prioritizing others over yourself
Fear of upsetting anyone
Merging your needs with theirs
Fawn develops when safety depended on staying agreeable or invisible.
Why Understanding Trauma Responses Matters
Recognizing your trauma responses helps you:
Understand your behaviors
Reduce shame
Build emotional regulation skills
Create safer relationships
Respond instead of react
All trauma responses are adaptive — and all can be healed with support, awareness, and compassion.
About the Author
I’m a trauma-focused therapist serving clients across Michigan through secure online telehealth. I specialize in childhood trauma, emotional neglect, PTSD/CPTSD, medical trauma, relationship trauma, religious trauma, and Veteran trauma. My work is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and helping clients reconnect with safety and self-trust.
