Ishita Roy

The 4 Fs Of Your Brain: How Your Mind Reacts To Trauma

4 fs of brain

<span>Trauma</span> is the <span>brain</span>'s normal reaction to stressful or dangerous circumstances that are frequently beyond our control. The brain uses one of the "4 Fs"—Flight, Fight, Freeze, and Fawn—an automatic, defensive response to live. 

These reactions show several coping strategies, each with its own set of actions and feelings. Recognising and treating these trauma responses in others as well as in oneself can be made easier with an understanding of them.

When the brain senses a threat, flight responses frequently occur as an automatic attempt to flee or avoid the situation. This reaction might leave a person feeling paralysed by fear, panic, or a strong urge to run away from circumstances that make them think of trauma they have experienced in the past. 

<h5>Typical actions consist of:</h5><ul><li>Worrying excessively and over analysing the possible threats.</li><li>Acquiring obsessive-compulsive behaviours in an attempt to keep control in unpredictable circumstances.</li><li>Hyperactivity and perfectionism, in which the individual tries to occupy their time in order to avoid dealing with difficult feelings.</li><li>Avoidance as well as trouble sitting still, as the brain encourages the person to be always "on the move" both mentally and physically.</li></ul>

While flight may appear like a proactive tactic, these reactions are frequently the result of intense fear, and they frequently result in emotional weariness and isolation.

<h4>Fight: Preventing Illusioned Dangers</h4>

The brain uses the fight response to get ready to face and protect against a perceived threat. Those who have this reaction may become defensive, confrontational, or domineering. 

<h5>Important indicators of a combat reaction are:</h5><ul><li>Abrupt rage or impatience fits</li><li>Explosive conduct, such hurling insults, slamming doors, or smashing objects.</li><li>A propensity to "bully" or dominate others in order to gain control during tense situations.</li><li>Impulsive behaviour or self-harm, frequently used as a coping mechanism for emotional distress.</li></ul>

Although this reaction is meant to keep people safe, it can also cause more harm than good by driving loved ones away and intensifying arguments.

<h4>Freeze: Getting Trapped in Passivity</h4>

When a person experiences trauma, their brain may freeze, which can leave them feeling immobile or powerless. The body may appear immobile in this state, and decision-making becomes challenging. 

<h5>Individuals that go through this could:</h5><ul><li>Feel emotionally and mentally "stuck" or cut off from their environment.</li><li>Have difficulty deciding and feel overpowered by even small options.</li><li>Isolate or disassociate from people in order to prevent experiencing emotional distress.</li><li>Feel as though stress has sapped their energy, both physically and mentally.</li></ul>

People who freeze in the face of stress frequently oversleep, suffer from persistent indecision, and isolate themselves from the outside world. Although the person can avoid conflict because of this defence mechanism, it may result in protracted powerlessness and detachment.

<h4>Fawn: Putting Others At Ease to Stay Safe</h4>

The least talked about trauma response is fawning, yet it's important to know about it. The fawn response is an innate behaviour in which a person tries to win over or placate others in order to avoid confrontation or perceived threat.

<h5>Typical traits of this reaction consist of:</h5>

<ul><li>Turning into a ‘people pleaser’ by putting other people's wants ahead of their own.</li><li>Having trouble setting personal boundaries and frequently saying ‘yes’ when they really mean ‘no.’</li><li>Losing who they are as they shape themselves to fit the expectations of others.</li><li>Codependent relationships, greatly depending on approval from others to feel safe.</li><li>Behaving selflessly and harshly criticising oneself in order to keep the peace.</li></ul>

While fawning might help people get through tough times, it also frequently results in a loss of autonomy and self-worth when one's needs are constantly put above those of others.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

mental health

brain

trauma

health & wellness

brain impact

4 Fs of brain

What Makes Chocolate Milk An Excellent Post-Workout Drink?

Why Are You Always Exhausted After Returning From Office?

'I Haven’t Heard Silence in 9 Years Because Of Tinnitus,' Says Jamie Laing; What Is This Hearing Disorder?

Health & Wellness

10 Exercises You Should Do For Arm Strength

10 Ways You Can Maximize Your Gym Exercises

10 Exercises You Can Do While Walking

10 Healthy Savoury Pancakes To Have For Breakfast

10 Herbal Tea Mixes For Winters

10 Habits To Ensure Your Teeth Health

10 Detox Juices You Should Try

10 Low Impact Exercises For Weight Loss

10 Foods That Should Be Part Of A Runners Diet

10 Gym Exercises Basketball Players Should Do

10 Light Foods You Can Eat Before Exercises

10 Ways To Beat The Sleep Spell In Office

10 Tips To Help Muscle Recovery

6-6-6 Walking Routine Can Help You Stay Fit

10 Breathing Exercises To Try When You’re Feeling Anxious

10 Ways To Beat Morning Fatigue

10 Type Of Squats You Can Do For Weight Loss

Soaked vs. Roasted Chickpeas: Which One is Healthier?

10 Ways For Busy People To Stay Active

10 High-Calorie Foods to Watch Out For At Gatherings

10 Brain Exercises to Improve Your Focus and Memory

Creative Ways to Complete Your 10,000 Steps Indoors

10 Best Carb Choices for Managing Type 2 Diabetes

10 White Foods to Avoid for Better Weight Loss Results

10 Delicious Mediterranean Diet Dinners: Low-Carb and High-Protein Options

Healthy and Protein-Packed Late-Night Snacks to Satisfy Your Cravings

10 Negative Habits That Drain Your Mind’s Power

10 Brain-Boosting Activities to Sharpen Your Mind

10 Protein-Rich Breakfast Dishes To Try

10 Signs Your Heart Is Healthy

10 Foods To Improve Your Brain Health

10 Foods That Boost Your Metabolism

10 Exercise To Improve Grip Strength

10 Staple Foods To Make Eating Healthy Easier

10 Foods You Should Eat If You Are Weight-Training

10 Basics Rules Of Weight Training

10 Ways To Deal With Winter Dry Skin

Workout Week: 10 Back Exercises To Do At Gym

10 Healthy Chicken Recipes For Winter

10 Morning Habits That Can Make You Sick

Trauma is the brain's normal reaction to stressful or dangerous circumstances that are frequently beyond our control. The brain uses one of the "4 Fs"—Flight, Fight, Freeze, and Fawn—an automatic, defensive response to live. These reactions show several coping strategies, each with its own set of actions and feelings. Recognising and treating these trauma responses in others as well as in oneself can be made easier with an understanding of them.Flight: The Need to Get AwayWhen the brain senses a threat, flight responses frequently occur as an automatic attempt to flee or avoid the situation. This reaction might leave a person feeling paralysed by fear, panic, or a strong urge to run away from circumstances that make them think of trauma they have experienced in the past. Typical actions consist of:Worrying excessively and over analysing the possible threats.Acquiring obsessive-compulsive behaviours in an attempt to keep control in unpredictable circumstances.Hyperactivity and perfectionism, in which the individual tries to occupy their time in order to avoid dealing with difficult feelings.Avoidance as well as trouble sitting still, as the brain encourages the person to be always "on the move" both mentally and physically.While flight may appear like a proactive tactic, these reactions are frequently the result of intense fear, and they frequently result in emotional weariness and isolation.Fight: Preventing Illusioned DangersThe brain uses the fight response to get ready to face and protect against a perceived threat. Those who have this reaction may become defensive, confrontational, or domineering. Important indicators of a combat reaction are:Abrupt rage or impatience fitsExplosive conduct, such hurling insults, slamming doors, or smashing objects.A propensity to "bully" or dominate others in order to gain control during tense situations.Impulsive behaviour or self-harm, frequently used as a coping mechanism for emotional distress.Although this reaction is meant to keep people safe, it can also cause more harm than good by driving loved ones away and intensifying arguments.Freeze: Getting Trapped in PassivityWhen a person experiences trauma, their brain may freeze, which can leave them feeling immobile or powerless. The body may appear immobile in this state, and decision-making becomes challenging. Individuals that go through this could:Feel emotionally and mentally "stuck" or cut off from their environment.Have difficulty deciding and feel overpowered by even small options.Isolate or disassociate from people in order to prevent experiencing emotional distress.Feel as though stress has sapped their energy, both physically and mentally.People who freeze in the face of stress frequently oversleep, suffer from persistent indecision, and isolate themselves from the outside world. Although the person can avoid conflict because of this defence mechanism, it may result in protracted powerlessness and detachment.Fawn: Putting Others At Ease to Stay SafeThe least talked about trauma response is fawning, yet it's important to know about it. The fawn response is an innate behaviour in which a person tries to win over or placate others in order to avoid confrontation or perceived threat. Typical traits of this reaction consist of:Turning into a ‘people pleaser’ by putting other people's wants ahead of their own.Having trouble setting personal boundaries and frequently saying ‘yes’ when they really mean ‘no.’Losing who they are as they shape themselves to fit the expectations of others.Codependent relationships, greatly depending on approval from others to feel safe.Behaving selflessly and harshly criticising oneself in order to keep the peace.While fawning might help people get through tough times, it also frequently results in a loss of autonomy and self-worth when one's needs are constantly put above those of others.