As a sexual assault therapist in Texas, One of the most common stuck
points I hear from survivors of sexual trauma is that they did not fight back, try to flee, or in many
cases even scream out. For those dealing with the aftermath of trauma, they often use this reaction as a
way to shame themselves for the event, saying they could have prevented it. Perpetrators may even use
this reaction as a way to blame survivors, saying that they must have wanted it. Any sexual assault
therapist in Texas knows that this is untrue.
There reality is, our bodies have 3 reactions in the
face of trauma:
Fight, Flight or Freeze. We are all pretty familiar with fight or flight so lets
talk about freeze. When we are in a situation in which there seems to be no way out, or fighting would
likely only make it worse, the primitive brain takes over and immobilizes us. Think of our ancestors
being attacked by a saber tooth tiger. You aren't getting away so “playing dead” may be
the
best
option.
In the case of a genuine freeze response, it is NEVER a conscious choice. Its done
completely for self-preservation, physically and even psychologically. As a sexual assault therapist in
Texas, I have heard from most people who freeze reporting some degree of amnesia for the event. This may
be the brainʼs way of protecting itself from being too overwhelmed by whatʼs happening in the
body. It temporarily just checks out.
SO don't judge your response if you found yourself
frozen in the face of trauma. Freezing is not consent. It was self-preservation.
To learn more
about trauma and common effects of trauma, visit us at innovarecoverycenter.com. We are a sexual assault therapist
in Texas that can help you on your road to recovery.
