Skip to main content

Expanding upon the earlier theoretical exploration of trauma, this section of the series endeavors to elucidate the interconnectedness of the introduced theories and their role in facilitating the recognition and detection of trauma responses.

5F Responses

Detecting someone’s trauma response involves noticing physical, emotional, and behavioural signs which indicate a shift outside their “window of tolerance”. Here are potential signs related to each of the “5F’s” responses, along with examples of how exceeding this window might appear:

  1. Fight: Someone in a fight response may show aggressive behaviour, ranging from sharp irritability to outright hostility. Their body language might appear tense and defensive. If they surpass their window of tolerance, you might notice intense reactions, with anger or aggression seeming disproportionate to the situation.
  2. Flight: A person exhibiting a flight response may seem restless or nervous, avoid certain situations, or display signs of fidgeting. Should they move beyond their window of tolerance, they might appear perpetually anxious, unable to relax or be still.
  3. Freeze: Those demonstrating a freeze response might seem detached or distant, physically still, or unresponsive. Beyond their window of tolerance, you might notice a lack of movement or reaction, diminished responsiveness, or even temporary speech loss.
  4. Fawn: The fawn response may manifest as appeasing behaviour, with individuals often putting others’ needs before their own. Beyond their window of tolerance, you might observe excessive submissiveness, a predisposition to self-sacrifice, or a tendency to overwork.
  5. Friend (Tend and Befriend): Individuals showing this response might often seek out social interactions or form alliances quickly. Beyond their window of tolerance, they may show an extreme need for companionship or reassurance or seem unable to spend time alone.

These signs are indicative, and each individual’s response to trauma can vary based on their experiences, coping mechanisms, and personality traits. Understanding these responses, the concept of the ‘window of tolerance’, and approaching with empathy and respect are key in recognising someone’s trauma reaction.

Signs of Dissociation

Identifying dissociation can be difficult due to its various subtle and often obscure manifestations. The following indicators can serve as a basis for recognising potential dissociative symptoms:

  1. Sense of Disconnection: Listen for language denoting detachment or estrangement from oneself, others, or surroundings. Phrases like “I feel as if I’m observing myself from a distance,” or “the world seems unreal,” could hint at depersonalisation or derealisation.
  2. Memory Lapses: Watch for significant memory gaps. Inability to recall certain periods, especially those linked with distressing or traumatic experiences, may suggest dissociative amnesia.
  3. Identity Uncertainty or Alteration: Note any expressions of identity uncertainty. Frequent shifts in behaviour, preferences, or attitudes may indicate identity alteration.
  4. Sudden Mood or Behaviour Changes: Observe for abrupt changes in mood, emotional state, or behaviour, possibly signalling dissociative shifts in affect or behaviour.
  5. Perception Shifts: Look for alterations in the person’s perception of time, space, or their own body, pointing towards a range of dissociative symptoms.

These signs might indicate dissociation, but they are not exclusively linked to it and may also relate to other psychological conditions. Therefore, interpreting these signs should be handled with care.

Vicarious Trauma

Spotting vicarious trauma involves attuning oneself to subtle emotional and behavioural shifts. This condition might emerge as an increased sense of anxiety, emotional numbness, or avoidance behaviours, which could mirror those encountered with direct trauma. One might observe changes in beliefs or worldviews, a creeping sense of cynicism or a loss of hope. Additionally, symptoms might include difficulties with concentration, intrusive thoughts about distressing material, or even physical symptoms such as sleep disturbances or fatigue. The affected individual may also exhibit a decreased interest or pleasure in activities previously enjoyed. The signs of vicarious trauma can vary greatly from person to person and may not be immediately apparent. Therefore, a vigilant and empathetic approach, combined with self-awareness and regular self-care, is critical in identifying and managing vicarious trauma.

Next