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Do You Choose Fight or Flight? The Truth Behind Our Trauma Responses

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KEY POINTS

Myth 1: Not All Trauma Involves a Direct Threat to Survival

Many believe that emotional neglect or shaming is not traumatic because it doesn’t involve a direct threat to survival. Elizabeth Kupferman says when people think about trauma they often think about war, but when you’re in an abusive environment, that war is happening every day, even if it’s not physical.

Myth 2: The Trauma Response is the Same for Everyone

It’s commonly thought that trauma responses are the same for everyone and can only be fight or flight. Kupferman talks about how freeze or fawn are also common responses where people can shut down or take care of someone else instead of themselves.

Myth 3: Damage From Trauma Depends on the Reaction During the Traumatic Event

Another myth is that the damage of trauma depends on how you react during the traumatic event itself. Often times the real impact lies in the aftermath when you’re trying to heal.

For more insights from Elizabeth Kupferman, follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

Editorial Team
Editorial Teamhttps://mhtn.org/
At the heart of MHTN - America's pioneering 24/7 Mental Health TV Network - is our editorial team, a dynamic group of professionals united by a shared commitment to transforming the conversation around mental health. Our team is composed of seasoned journalists, mental health experts, researchers, and storytellers, each bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for advocacy.

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