Trauma Responses
What are the three automatic trauma responses that come from the brain?
fight, flight freeze
When sensing danger, this part of the brain gets involved before the other parts
Amygdala
What is the name of the mental health condition that can develop after experiencing a traumatic event?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
A youth becomes intensely angry and aggressive after a staff member touches their shoulder without warning. What happened?
Triggered or fight/flight response to an unexpected touch
What is the fourth, less common, neurobiological response to trauma that typically looks like appeasing or being agreeable with an abuser?
Fawn
Give one word for the following responses - fast heart rate, tense muscles, quick shallow breathing, feelings of anxiety or stress, nightmares and so on.
Flooding
Name one trauma symptom that causes people to have to relive their trauma over and over again.
nightmares, flashbacks, distressing memories, etc.
In the Hand Model of the brain, this is the lay term for when the "alarm center" takes over and the "thinking brain" goes offline.
Flipping the lid
yoga, meditation, listening to calm music, breathing, calming exercises.
What kind of trauma is it when a person experiences repeated or prolonged stressors particularly during childhood and adolescence?
Complex trauma
Name some physical effects of Trauma
fatigue, headaches, pain, insomnia gastrointestinal upset
How does chronic trauma affect brain development?
It can alter structure and function, leading to overactive stress responses.
If you are feeling a hypoarousal (freeze) response, what is one coping skill you could use to regulate?
exercise, physical activity, uplifting music, going for a walk, etc.
Name three emotional effects of trauma
anxiety, fear, panic, depression, feelings of helplessness
What is dissociation?
A disconnection from thoughts, identity, environment, or memory. It can feel like zoning out or watching oneself from outside the body.
What part of the brain does the fight/flight/freeze response come from?
Amygdala
Name one type of trauma therapy used to decrease trauma symptoms
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, Somatic Therapy, Prolonged Exposure...
Integrating an understanding of trauma into all levels of care, system engagement, workforce development, agency policy and interagency work.
Trauma Informed Practice
substance use, conflict, isolation, dissocation
What happens to the prefrontal cortex during trauma?
The logical, decision-making part of the brain goes “offline,” making it harder to think clearly under stress.