By: Shawne Poplar, MA LPC-S Licensed Professional Counselor
The fight, flight, freeze, and fawn response is a natural survival mechanism that kicks in when we feel threatened or faced with danger. These responses are hardwired into our brains and are meant to help us protect ourselves and survive in times of crisis. However, in modern times, these responses can sometimes be triggered in situations that aren't actually life-threatening, leading to negative effects on our mental and physical health.
Here's a breakdown of each response:
Fight response
This response is characterized by feelings of anger, aggression, and a desire to protect ourselves or others. When the alarm bells ring and we're faced with a threat, anger and aggression swoop in like the protectors they are. It's a natural response to a threat and can help us stand up for ourselves or take action to protect ourselves.
Flight response
This response is characterized by feelings of fear and a desire to escape or avoid the perceived threat. It's a natural response to a threat and can help us get away from danger. It's our built-in escape plan when the threat alarm goes off. It's like our inner sprinter lacing up those running shoes at the first whiff of danger. When fear kicks in, the desire to escape or avoid the threat becomes the superhero guiding us to safety.
Freeze response
This response is characterized by feelings of paralysis, numbness, or inaction. It's a natural response to a threat and can help us avoid attracting attention or avoid being noticed. It's our body's way of hitting the pause button when the threat detector is on high alert. Picture it like a real-life freeze frame, with feelings of paralysis or numbness stepping into the spotlight. It's a ninja move to avoid attracting attention or flying under the radar.
Fawn response
This response is characterized by feelings of submissiveness and a desire to please or appease the perceived threat. It's a natural response to a threat and can help us avoid being hurt or attacked. Often the safest route may be to be a peacemaker until you can get out of danger.
It's important to remember that these responses are natural and can be helpful in times of crisis. However, when they are triggered in non-threatening situations, they can lead to negative effects on our mental and physical health. If you find that you're frequently experiencing these responses in everyday situations, it might be helpful to speak with a therapist or counselor to address the underlying causes and develop coping strategies.
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