Fight, Flight, Freeze, Appease.

An in-depth look at our human response system.

Humans have an inherent ability to activate a specific response when we are in danger. This is known as the “fight or flight” response. During our evolution cycle, this response has helped us to survive. In the modern-day, this response can be triggered whenever we are under threat.

When somebody has experienced trauma, they can find their ‘fight, flight, freeze or appease’ system is more sensitive and can be activated more easily. This means that they can find themselves being on edge a lot or in ‘threat mode’

The Fight Response:

Fighting may be a helpful response to a threading solution because if we win, we can increase our chances of survival. Sometimes, we don’t even need to be physical as looking aggressive can be enough to make an opponent back down.

However, there are many risks associated with fighting. There is a high chance of injury or even in the most severe circumstances, death.

You may begin to feel a surge of adrenaline and an increase in heart rate. This causes a domino effect that will affect your breathing and cause your muscles to tense up. As a result, the mind restricts its attention to the danger.

The Flight Response:

It may be helpful to escape a threatening situation as if we are successful we will often survive our ordeal. Most of the time, this feels like the safest option. Similar to the fight response, heart rates and adrenaline begins to surge as you actively scout a means of escape. You may find that you are making more rash decisions to remove yourself from the situation.

The Freeze Response:

Freezing can be a crucial response to a threat as it helps to give us time to evaluate a situation. If we are vulnerable, it can be used as a way of taking the eyes off of us and blending in. If we are unable to fight or escape, we may feel like we are more likely to survive if we become unresponsive. In the beginning, we may think more critically but as time goes on our thoughts and emotions may become numb. You may feel like you are having an “out of body” experience.

The Appease Response:

You may choose to appease your opponent if it will help to reduce the danger. They may want something from you and you may give them what they want. Another common response is a “last minute” response which involves beginning or even submitting to our opponent. You may not be aware of more obvious options as you are clouded by the threat that looms.

Primal, evolutionary history has helped to unearth the science behind the “fight or flight” response. By recognising these actions, we can recover from the danger we faced and learn lessons from it. These responses are not abnormal and are very common reactions to danger. I hope that learning and understanding these responses can help you to grow in your journey of life.

Thank you for taking the time and listening to my story. Medium has been a fantastic place for me to open up, receive support, and most importantly to aid my recovery. I feel like I am reclaiming my life and that is thanks to all of you!!