The Flight Response to Stress and Trauma Explained

When people react with the flight option of the fight-or-flight stress response, they move away from a perceived threat, attempting to avoid or escape it. This automatic reaction can involve a strong urge to leave mentally or physically, even when the threat is exaggerated or imagined.

Flight is not just a mental response. It involves a cascade of physical changes that prepare the body to flee or disengage. This can be helpful in real danger, but counterproductive when the perceived threat is a difficult conversation, an uncomfortable emotion, or a routine responsibility.

The Four Fs Response to Stress and Trauma

You are probably familiar with the idea of the fight-or-flight stress response. The term has been around for decades. 

Over time, it has become clear that people also react automatically to stress in ways that don't fit these two labels. In addition to fight and flight, common stress response descriptors now include freeze and fawn.

People may rely more heavily on one of these responses or shift between different reactions depending on the situation or trigger.

These reactions can activate even when there is no real or immediate danger — the nervous system only needs to perceive a threat for the stress response to engage.

What Is the Flight Stress and Trauma Response?

The flight response prepares the body to run away from danger.

Physical and mental signs of the flight response can include:

• Increased heart rate and rapid breathing

• Sweating

• Urge to escape or leave the situation

• Avoiding eye contact

• Feeling fidgety, tense, or trapped

• Mentally checking out

All the signs and symptoms will not all appear in all cases. People experience the flight response differently, depending on personality, past experiences, and the nature of the perceived threat.

Examples of Flight Stress or Trauma Reactions

When faced with stress or trauma, the flight response can take on different forms. The response can help or hurt, depending on the behavior and situation. 

Escaping Danger: Running away from a threatening situation or assailant.

Avoiding Conflict: Walking away from an argument or disagreement to avoid confrontation.

Withdrawing: Physical, emotional, or mental withdrawal from stressful situations. 

Ending Relationships: Breaking off relationships to escape emotional stress or discomfort.

Social Anxiety: Leaving social events early or avoiding them altogether due to anxiety.

Avoiding Tasks: Procrastinating or avoiding difficult tasks and responsibilities at work.

Avoiding Traumatic Memory Triggers: Avoiding places, people, or activities that trigger traumatic memories.

My print Building Skills to Uplevel Life: Silver Lining Emotional Intelligence Workbook is your step-by-step guide to moving from triggered reactions to thoughtful responses. 

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