Understanding Trauma and Coping Mechanisms
February 3, 2024
Welcome to Part 8 of
Making Lived Experiences Matter! In our previous session, we introduced the concept of trauma. Today, we'll explore trauma in greater detail and discuss coping mechanisms in depth.
Recap of Last Session
We learned that when doubts turn into discomfort, it’s crucial to address them. Our bodies are both the root and remedy of this discomfort. Trauma often begins with feelings of uncertainty and can escalate from “I don’t know” to “I can’t” and eventually “I won’t.” At this point, coping mechanisms take over rather than conscious choices.
The Role of the Brain
- Pre-frontal Cortex: This part of the brain helps us make decisions, engage in discussions, and manage disagreements.
- Ideal Scenario: We should ideally manage discomfort, regulate our bodies, and maintain conversations using our thinking brain.
- Reality Check: Many of us, including myself, resort to coping mechanisms rather than making choices, especially when decision-making skills are underdeveloped in childhood.
What is Trauma?
Trauma isn’t limited to severe events like abuse. It can develop gradually through ongoing anxiety and coping mechanisms. Over time, coping mechanisms become habitual and can lead to unhealthy personality labels and pathologization.
The Six Coping Mechanisms
- Feeding: Using food for comfort can lead to stress eating or loss of appetite. In adults, this might escalate to issues like alcoholism.
- Fight: Reacting to anxiety by opposing or attacking, resulting in anger and difficulties in engaging in discussions.
- Flight: Avoiding or escaping from problems, which can manifest as excessive work, mobile addiction, or denial.
- Freeze: Becoming numb or lethargic in response to overwhelming discomfort, leading to inaction or exhaustion.
- Fawning: People-pleasing to avoid conflict, which can cause anxiety and make it hard to ask for help.
- Fornicating: Channeling or controlling sexual energy in unhealthy ways, including addiction or complete abstinence.
Key Takeaways
- Awareness: Reflect on your own coping mechanisms and those of people around you.
- Support: Understand how to support others who may be struggling with these coping mechanisms.
- Unlearning Patterns: Work on recognizing and addressing these coping mechanisms to avoid labeling them as personality disorders.
Engage with Us
We value your feedback and questions! Please share your comments via email. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insights and updates.
Thank you for joining today’s session. We look forward to seeing you next time!
