Magnifying Glass on Fight, Flight, Freeze Responses

Many children who we work with in our occupational therapy practice have amplified fight, flight, and freeze responses. These are responses that help with our survival, simply stated. We have a split second response when we are in danger: imagine crossing an intersection and a car tears around the corner towards you. Your body reacts quickly to get out of danger. This is one example; this survival mechanism is pre-cognitive, a “reflex” to keep us safe.

Fight, fight, and freeze responses can become exaggerated in us, for many reasons. And just to add to the conversation, they can be “activated” by thought or memory alone–external physical danger is not required to tip the body into a stress response. Some potential reasons for exaggerated responses of the nervous system are sensory sensitivities, amplified worry/anxiety, long sustained periods of stress, and trauma (trauma can include exposure to neglect and threat). 

To take this a step further, the fight, flight, and freeze responses have specific primitive reflexes that are associated with them. In short, primitive reflexes are important for our development; they emerge to help us attain motor skills in infancy and early childhood. They are physical responses to stimuli, which are ideally repeated until they integrate into the body; and when they do, a wider range of motor skills are possible. When they do not fully integrate (for many potential reasons) or, alternatively, they become unintegrated with physical or emotional trauma, emotional and physical development and capacity become stunted.

The body’s The fight/flight response involves having an active Moro Reflex. This startle response emerges in early childhood and is meant to become integrated within the first year of life. For many people, it does not fully integrate, or if it has integrated, it may have un-integrated due to trauma. When this reflex persists, we see explosive or fleeing behavior in fight/flight patterns, heightened sensory sensitivity, irritability, and poor or lack of ability to self regulate their emotional state.

The freeze response is related to the Fear Paralysis Reflex. This reflex emerges in utero, and is meant to be integrated before birth. When this reflex persists, people can become stuck in a freeze: their eyes widen, and they hold their breath. They have a hard time advocating for themselves in the moment (they may think of a better response to any given person or situation after the fact). When this reflex is overactive, we see separation anxiety in children from their parents during the day (think school drop off), or night (sleeping alone). It can feel and be paralyzing for children to move ahead in their lives to the point that they remain stuck in fear and avoidance patterns. It is one of the most primitive reflexes that we address. 

So, how can you help your child if they are experiencing these responses? 

Here are tips for fight/flight (Moro Reflex integration):

• Hugs! Using the flexor muscles of the body is the opposite of the physical startle/Moro response (which stimulates the extensor muscles). 
• Name the emotion that your child seems to be experiencing BEFORE trying to “fix” the situation or even offering solutions. For example, “It looks like you are feeling ____. It’s a big feeling!”
• Soothing salt baths with magnesium (epsom salts). Children must be 4 years old or older. 
• Humming, swaying or rocking the body, and deep breathing together (even if your child refuses, if you do this with/around them, mirror neurons help them to experience the benefits). 
• Change of scenery. Even if it’s 5 feet away, or in another room. 
• Go outside. Play, walk, or bike in nature. Nature helps to soothe and heal the system. 

Here are tips for freeze (Fear Paralysis Reflex):

• Deep breathing, inflating the belly on the inhale, deflating the belly on the exhale. Fear Paralysis involves holding the breath, so deep breathing helps!
• Massage, body tapping, facial tapping. 
• Facial massage. 
• Swaying, rocking, humming–these stimulate the Vagus nerve, which soothes the nervous system. 
• Change of environment, get outside if possible! Engage in a nature scavenger hunt (acorns, rocks, pinecones, etc.)
• Staying with your child; hold them and comfort them. Reassure them that you are there for them.

Notice that none of the recommendations include using screens (iPad, phone, computer, TV). Using screens for soothing actually creates more long term issues for your child. When you go in to soothe them or to help them with emotional regulation, please also remember to put your devices down, and to be fully present with them. 

If you are wondering about receiving specific support for your child if they are having issues with either of these, please look for an occupational therapy practice that is versed in Primitive Reflex Integration and Sensory Integration Therapy.