The “5 F’s of PTSD” is a psychological framework that describes the automatic survival responses the brain activates during or after trauma. These are instinctive reactions, not choices, that help a person cope with perceived threat. Understanding them reduces self-blame and fosters compassion for trauma survivors.

1. Fight

The body prepares to confront danger: muscles tense, heart races, adrenaline surges. In PTSD, this can show up as irritability, outbursts, or hypervigilance even in safe environments.

2. Flight

The urge to escape. Someone may physically run or mentally check out. In daily life, this can look like avoiding triggers, canceling plans, or constantly changing jobs or relationships to stay “on the move.”

3. Freeze

A sudden halt in response,body locks, mind goes blank. This is common during inescapable trauma (like abuse). In PTSD, it may appear as dissociation, feeling “zoned out,” or being unable to speak or act in stressful moments.

4. Fawn

Fawning means people-pleasing to avoid conflict or danger. A person may suppress their own needs, agree with others excessively, or stay in unhealthy relationships to “keep the peace.” This is common in survivors of childhood trauma or abuse.

5. Flop

Also called “fold” or “submit,” this is a state of helpless collapse,like a shutdown. The body goes limp, thoughts scatter, or the person feels numb. It’s the brain’s last-resort survival mode when fight, flight, freeze, and fawn feel impossible.

Why the 5 F’s Matter

These responses aren’t “dramatic” or “overreactions.” They’re hardwired survival reflexes. like pulling your hand from a hot stove. In PTSD, the brain keeps sounding the alarm long after the danger has passed.

Recognizing your own F-response can:

• Reduce shame (“I’m not broken.I’m reacting”)
• Guide healing (e.g., learning grounding techniques for freeze)
• Help loved ones respond with patience, not judgment

Healing from PTSD isn’t about “getting over it.”
It’s about teaching the nervous system that the threat is over. and that safety is possible again.

The 5 F’s aren’t flaws. They’re evidence you did what you needed to survive. And now, with support, you can learn to live.