Whole-Person Wellness Blog: Empowering ourselves and others by examining trauma responses

In our Whole-Person Wellness blog for September, we’re diving into Sanctuary’s reenactment and empowerment triangles, and how we can learn from our own trauma responses.

Being triggered is a normal part of life. It’s inevitable that we all will experience some type of trauma, and when we meet that trauma again, whether at work, home, or somewhere else, it will trigger fight, flight, freeze, fawn. or flop responses. To learn more about these responses, click here to read this PTSD UK article.

Most people are familiar with the first four responses, but “flop” was one I recently learned about. It’s exactly like it sounds: When reacting to intense stress, the body collapses and submits.

Sanctuary’s reenactment triangle, shown here, can help you become more familiar with your typical responses to stress. In times of high stress or conflict, do you feel helpless? Or do you take on a martyr-like role? Or do you become critical and blame others?

Depending on the situation, I’ve felt all three. It takes a lot of courage to recognize our own patterns, and it can be uncomfortable, too. So many of us pursue careers in healthcare because we want to help, support, guide, and nurture the most vulnerable populations in our communities. I have often slipped into “Rescuer” mode, wanting to solve everyone’s problems. As the oldest child, I’ve seemingly always carried it with me. Aware of this, I can notice my feelings and emotions, and adjust accordingly.

Take note of situations in which you may have been the persecutor, rescuer, or victim. What was going on for you at the time? Did something come up from a past situation that brought up specific feelings or emotions?

When we look inward, we have the capacity to take what we have learned about ourselves from the reenactment triangle and utilize the empowerment triangle.

Think of ways in which you mentored someone who was struggling. Think of a time you allowed yourself to be vulnerable and share your emotions with a friend or family member. Think of ways you empower and motivate others. Just like we all have been a persecutor, rescuer, or victim, we have also been the creator, coach, and challenger.

Examining your triggers, responses, and their impact on you and others is intentional, difficult work. Remember to offer yourself grace. This is a lifelong process; there will be mistakes.

Sanctuary gives us the opportunity to learn, grow, and evolve, creating a more trauma-competent space for ourselves, our colleagues, and our communities. Thank you for all the work you do for our communities, and thank you for being you. We need each and every one of you to keep creating profound change for our future.

Cảm ơn,