A trauma response is the emotional and physical reaction to a distressing event or situation that breaks a sense of security. Trauma can happen to anyone because of an injury, a frightening situation, or painful events in the past. It is normal to experience trauma responses, and not a character flaw or a weakness. Trauma sets off an "alarm" that triggers the fight or flight response in your body and mind. This heightened state of arousal makes it difficult to feel calm and can be easily reactivated in other situations.

There are different types of trauma responses, and they can affect people differently depending on their life history, support systems, and coping skills. Some common initial trauma responses include anxiety, avoidance of similar situations, confusion, disassociation, exhaustion, fear, and feeling or acting "numb". More severe trauma responses include continuous distress without periods of relative calm or rest, severe dissociation symptoms, and intense intrusive recollections that continue despite a return to safety. Delayed responses to trauma can include persistent fatigue, sleep disorders, nightmares, fear of recurrence, anxiety focused on flashbacks, depression, and avoidance of emotions, sensations, or activities that are associated with the trauma, even remotely.

Its important to recognize that theres no "right" way to respond to trauma, and reactions to trauma may be severe or mild, but neither are a sign of mental illness. Here are some common reactions to trauma:

• Feeling nervous, helpless, fearful, sad
• Feeling shocked, numb, or not able to feel love or joy
• Being irritable or having angry outbursts
• Having nightmares or difficulty sleeping
• Having trouble concentrating
• Being jumpy or easily startled
• Having physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, or aches and pains

Its also important to note that trauma responses can be learned as a means of survival in childhood, abusive relationships, or severe trauma, and can reoccur later in life as a default every time the person faces anything they perceive as a threat. The mental health community broadly recognizes four types of trauma responses: fight, flight, freeze, and fawn. Having an understanding of each of these types of trauma responses can help individuals understand their own behaviors and take the first step toward changing their behavioral patterns and begin the healing process.