The body's response to trauma is automatic and unconscious from "summary" of The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
When people experience trauma, their bodies have a way of responding that is beyond their conscious control. This automatic reaction is deeply ingrained in our nervous system, dating back to our earliest ancestors who relied on quick reflexes to survive in dangerous environments. The body's response to trauma is like a well-oiled machine that kicks into action without any input from the thinking brain. In moments of extreme stress or danger, our bodies go into "fight, flight, or freeze" mode. These instinctual reactions are designed to protect us from harm by either fighting off the threat, running away from it, or immobilizing ourselves to avoid further danger. This primal survival mechanism is hardwired into our biology and operates independently of our rational thoughts or intentions. Trauma can overwhelm our nervous system and disrupt its normal functioning,...
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