6 Steps to Breaking Out of the Fight Flight Freeze Response in cPTSD
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The content segments discuss the fight, flight, freeze response as a stress response that can manifest in different ways. The fight response involves getting angry and pushing others away, while the flight response involves physically running away or mentally dissociating. The freeze response is seen in wildlife and involves freezing in place to avoid harm. The fawn response is about doing whatever it takes to make the pain stop. The forget response occurs when the brain conserves energy during prolonged periods of fight or flight, leading to depression and anxiety.
Chronic stress or trauma can increase exposure to harm and activate trauma schemas. Extreme ongoing stress or trauma can lead to structural changes in the brain, such as the shrinking of the hypothalamus and enlargement of the amygdala. The gut microbiome is also affected, resulting in changes in neurotransmitter levels. This can make it difficult to focus, learn, and think clearly, and can cause sleep problems, increased anxiety, and inflammation.
Healing the stress response and breaking out of fight or flight mode involves creating a secure attachment to oneself, creating a sense of safety, and taking care of one's needs. Being mindful of triggers and vulnerabilities, both physical and emotional, can help identify problems earlier and intervene earlier. Managing strong reactions to stress involves cognitive factors, environmental triggers, relational factors, attention, validation, radical acceptance, encouragement, and self-compassion. It is important to recognize progress rather than seeking perfection and to understand that healing takes time and effort.
Overall, the content emphasizes the impact of stress on the body and mind, the importance of self-care and self-compassion in healing, and the potential for resilience and adaptation in the brain and nervous system.
The content segments discuss the fight, flight, freeze response as a stress response that can manife