Sky: in general, we either stay and fight, or we run away (flight.)

Sometimes it's overlooked that there is a third option: fight, flight or freeze. Freezing can occur when fighting or fleeing is not an option.

For those who may have "frozen" this book may be helpful: Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma : The Innate Capacity to Transform Overwhelming Experiences The "freeze" pattern can be seen in animals when death appears imminent. When death is not, it can be observed that the animal will shake and tremble for a period of time and then arise and carry on. Dr. Levine's theory is that traumatic memory becomes frozen in the body and if one can find a way to release the stored energy, they can move past the trauma.

Smilie: Can you tell me of this fight or flight response you talk about.Please assume I know nothing about it. Thanks

This is an excellent introductory article. It was written by two massage therapists but it explains the underlying physiological response very well: Recovering Body & Soul From PTSD.