The Five F's of Trauma Response and Recovery Treatments

When we experience a traumatic event, our bodies go into a fight-or-flight response. This is a natural survival mechanism that helps us to stay safe. However, sometimes the fight-or-flight response is not enough, and we may experience other reactions, such as freezing, fawning, or flopping. These are collectively known as the Five F's of trauma response. For me, my go to trauma response is freezing, I’ve done it since I was a young child have spent much of my adult life feeling frozen. And, although I understand myself much more these days, when threat is perceived, I will still freeze. What’s your trauma response? It may be one or more of the following:

Fight

The fight response is the most obvious reaction to trauma. When we feel threatened, we may lash out physically or verbally. We may also try to control the situation or the people around us.

Flight

The flight response is the opposite of the fight response. When we feel threatened, we may try to run away from the situation. We may also avoid people or places that remind us of the trauma.

Freeze

The fight response is the most obvious reaction to trauma. When we feel threatened, we may lash out physically or verbally. We may also try to control the situation or the people around us.

Fawn

The fawn response is when we try to please or appease the person or people who are threatening us. We may do this by apologizing, making excuses, or trying to be helpful. This is a way of trying to avoid conflict or danger.

Flop

The flop response is a less common reaction to trauma. When we experience this response, we may collapse or fall to the ground. We may also feel weak or faint. This is a way of surrendering to the situation and giving up control.

Which F is Right for Me?

There is no right or wrong F response to trauma. Everyone reacts to trauma differently. The F response that we choose will depend on a variety of factors, such as our personality, our coping skills, and the specific circumstances of the trauma.

What Can I Do If I'm Experiencing the F's of Trauma?

If you are experiencing the F's of trauma, it is important to reach out for help. There are many resources available to help you cope with the trauma and recover. You can talk to a therapist, join a support group, or read self-help books.

It is also important to take care of yourself physically and emotionally. This includes eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. You should also avoid alcohol and drugs, as these can make the trauma symptoms worse.

Remember, you are not alone. There are many people who have experienced trauma and recovered. With time and help, you can heal from your trauma and move on with your life.

Recovery Treatments

There are many different treatments available for trauma recovery. Some of the most common treatments include:

• · Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a psychotherapy that uses eye movements, taps, or tones to help people process traumatic memories and reduce their symptoms.

• · Parts therapy: Parts therapy is a type of therapy that helps people identify and work with the different parts of themselves, including the parts that are affected by trauma.

• · Exposure therapy: Exposure therapy is a type of therapy that helps people face their fears and gradually reduce their anxiety.

• · Support groups: Support groups can provide a safe place for people to share their experiences and get support from others who have been through similar experiences.

The best treatment for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. It is important to talk to a therapist to find the right treatment for you.

I hope this blog has been helpful. If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma, please reach out for help. There are many resources available to you.

References

Fosha, E., & Rothschild, B. (2008). Complex PTSD: From diagnosis to treatment. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.

Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence—from domestic abuse to political terror. New York, NY: Basic Books.

Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. New York, NY: Penguin Books.

Rothschild, B. (2000). The body remembers: The psychophysiology of trauma and dissociation. New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company.

Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press.