All articles tagged with #trauma response
Trauma responses include fight, flight, freeze, and fawning, with fawning being the least known. People exhibiting fawning behaviors, such as people-pleasing, over-apologizing, and excessive helping, may be stuck in a trauma response without realizing it. Understanding these responses can help individuals take steps towards self-discovery, setting boundaries, and breaking harmful habits.
"Law & Order" star Mariska Hargitay shared her experience of being raped and going into "freeze mode," a common response to sexual assault where the brain shuts down in a dangerous situation without an escape. Dr. Gail Saltz explains the misunderstanding of the freeze response and how it's not consent, emphasizing the importance of survivors seeking professional help, education, and support to process their trauma and heal.
Artist Liz Magic Laser explores the shaking body as both a symptom of trauma and a potential remedy for psychological distress in her exhibition "Convulsive States" at Pioneer Works in Brooklyn. The exhibition features videos of practitioners demonstrating therapeutic movement practices like gyrokinesis and qigong, as well as a documentary that delves into the history of hysteria and the use of shaking as a therapy. Laser's work examines the physical manifestation of emotional expression and the potential healing power of convulsive movements.
Psychologist Dr. Sarah Hensley challenges the popular relationship advice of "if they wanted to, they would," calling it a generic pop psychology lie. She explains that a large majority of the population has a dismissive avoidant attachment style, which triggers trauma responses of fleeing and freezing when faced with emotional intimacy or conflict. Dr. Hensley emphasizes that these responses are not a matter of choice but a capacity issue rooted in childhood attachment experiences. She highlights the importance of healing trauma responses and developing healthy coping skills to show up authentically in relationships. Understanding our wounds allows us to work on ourselves and build emotional toolsets for healthier connections.
This article discusses five subtle signs that indicate a person may have grown up with conditional love from their parents. These signs include being afraid to voice opinions or disagree, developing a love addiction, experiencing pressure to overachieve or burnout, potentially having Borderline Personality Disorder as a trauma response, and displaying selflessness and empathy towards others. The article emphasizes that healing from conditional love can lead to fulfilling lives and the formation of strong chosen families.
Liz Tenuto, known as "The Workout Witch" on TikTok, has gained a large following by sharing somatic exercises aimed at releasing stress and trauma. She explains that many people struggle with getting out of bed, sitting in a towel after a shower, and losing enjoyment in going out due to a chronic freeze trauma response. Tenuto offers online courses and practices to help individuals break free from this response and experience full body release. Her own journey of healing from chronic pain and anxiety led her to specialize in somatic exercises, which address the root causes of trauma. Tenuto believes that people can live without pain and offers various programs to release tension and eliminate the deep-rooted causes of pain.
A 16-year-old mom shared her story on TikTok, explaining that she gave birth to her daughter at 13 years old and vowing to protect her from harm. She revealed that she no longer wears jeans due to a traumatic experience of sexual abuse, stating that she feels more comfortable without them. Her decision is seen as a valid trauma response, and she received support from other teen moms who shared similar experiences. The teenager encouraged others in similar situations to speak up and seek support, emphasizing that they are not alone.