27 mars 2023
In a situation of stress or danger, human beings can react in three different ways: by attacking, remaining flabbergasted or fleeing. This last option is the starting point of Denis Imbert’s film, “Sur les chemins noirs”, which tells of a pedestrian road trip undertaken by the protagonist, like an escape following a serious accident.
Psychiatrists and psychologists agree in explaining that when faced with a frightening situation or one that brings intense anxiety, flight is part of the natural spontaneous reactions. And, on many occasions, this one is totally healthy. Thus, for example, faced with a rabid dog or a fire, fleeing is a way of protecting oneself, of saving one’s life.
But when, following being the victim of a trauma, this way of behaving continues, it prevents the effects of the shock from being overcome. “The problem arises when the escape prevents us from moving forward”explains Egide Altenloh, psychologist in Brussels, on the Psyris site.
How does leakage become harmful?
Victim of a serious accident, a scene of violence or an attack, the person has suffered a trauma. The fact of fleeing – by escaping physically or by withdrawing into oneself, for example – brings comfort. That is why, “Unconsciously, the person remembers that this is a scheme that works very well to reduce the pressure and return to a more reassuring situation”describes Geneviève Krebs, psychotherapist in brief therapies on her website. “She repeats it whenever a strong negative emotion arises. It is then difficult to change this behavioral addiction. » In this case, the trauma persists and the victim is prevented from healing, from moving forward, from living fully.
How to get out of this pattern of flight?
“It is important to understand that it is not so much the event, the situation that we are fleeing, but the emotion that it triggered and which is unbearable, insurmountable at the moment”continues Geneviève Krebs.
Or “When we run away from suffering, we can fear that it will catch up with us”warns Dr. Delphine Calamy, psychiatrist – psychotherapist in Lille. “Whereas when we accept to experience it, we confront it and finally we fight it. And through combat, we can hope to defeat it. »
If you think you are in this mode of functioning and that you suffer from it, it is therefore recommended to consult a psychologist or a psychiatrist who will help you to face your fears and your sufferings. And so to overcome your traumas.
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Source : Psyris.be founded by Egide Altenloh, psychologist in Brussels – site of Dr Delphine Calamy, Psychiatrist – Psychotherapist in Lille – site of Geneviève Krebs, psychotherapist in brief therapies
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Written by : Dominique Salomon – Edited by: Vincent Roche