The inability to react is a key-component to the creation of a traumatic experience. Helplessness is such an overwhelming emotion, it leaves an impression that causes simple things to have horrific and haunting connotations. According to Judith Herman, “Traumatic reactions occur when action is of no avail. When neither resistance nor escape is possible, the human system of self-defense becomes overwhelmed and disorganized” (Herman 34). This disorganization during times in which organization and quick thinking are most needed becomes haunting, giving ordinary objects and daily actions new, frightening meanings. Often, traumatized individuals cannot explain why they have sudden physical reactions, such as increased heart-rate and extreme anxiety to ordinary experiences. The natural response to an event that is traumatizing is to bury it deep within the recesses of the mind. However, the memory has made a lasting impression which allows anxiety to rise to the surface while the meaning may remain hidden.  Some reactions to trauma go further than temporary afflictions during day-to-day activities. The traumatized person begins making decisions that affect their actions based on instinct which has been effected by an exhausting event. “In an attempt to create some sense of safety and to control their pervasive fear, traumatized people restrict their lives” (Herman 46). This reaction to traumatic events prevents individuals from living out their lives normally. They place restrictions on themselves. Simple tasks, such as walking home alone, become horrifying due to their new connotations.