How do survivors differentiate between inherited fear responses and their own trauma-related reactions?
Fear is an innate response to perceived danger that has been passed down through generations of mammals. Humans also have this ability, but they are able to distinguish between fears that were programmed into them during childhood and those that arise from experiences later in life. This distinction can be difficult for trauma survivors because many of their fears may seem similar to those that were imprinted during childhood. In order to understand how trauma-induced fear differs from inherited fear, it is necessary to examine what each type entails.
Inherited fears
Inherited fears are those that humans develop before they reach adulthood. They involve situations that could cause physical harm if certain conditions are met, such as being bitten by a venomous snake or falling from a high place. These fears help keep people safe by alerting them to potential threats. The brain will release stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline when these fears are triggered so that the body can react quickly. Survivors may experience anxiety or panic attacks as a result of this process, but they know that these feelings come from their genetic makeup and not from any particular memory or event.
Trauma-related fears
Trauma-related fears stem from experiencing events that caused intense psychological distress. Unlike inherited fears, these do not always correlate with physical harm. Instead, they can result from being emotionally overwhelmed or feeling out of control during a situation.
Someone who was sexually assaulted might develop an irrational fear of intimacy or physical contact even though there is no real danger involved. Their body may respond with increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, or shaking, but this reaction is different from one that would be triggered by an actual threat.
Differentiation techniques
To differentiate between inherited and trauma-related fears, survivors should pay attention to how they respond in different situations. When faced with a perceived threat, they should ask themselves whether it is something they have experienced before or if it stems from their own past experiences. If the answer is yes to both questions, then the response could be due to either type of fear.
If only one type of fear is present, then it can help guide them toward appropriate treatment options for healing. This may involve therapy or medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Mindfulness practices such as deep breathing exercises and meditation can also help reduce symptoms associated with both types of fear responses.
By understanding the difference between inherited and trauma-related fears, survivors can better identify which type of response they are experiencing and seek appropriate treatment accordingly. It's important for them to acknowledge that their feelings are valid regardless of their origin so that they don't feel ashamed or embarrassed about having them. With support from loved ones and professionals who understand trauma recovery, survivors can learn strategies for managing these fears and living more fulfilling lives despite them.
How do survivors differentiate between inherited fear responses and their own trauma-related reactions?
Survivors may differentiate between inherited fear responses and their own trauma-related reactions by understanding that inherited fears are often instinctual and universal, while trauma-related fears may be unique to their personal experiences. Inherited fears are often based on evolutionary patterns of avoiding danger, such as the fear of heights or snakes. Traumatic experiences can cause individuals to develop specific phobias or PTSD symptoms that differ from these inherited fears.