FFFF

 A

The fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses are the body's automatic reactions to stress, trauma, or perceived danger. These responses originate from the autonomic nervous system and are shaped by individual experiences, especially in cases of repeated trauma.

---

1. Fight Response 🥊 (Confronting the Threat)

• The body prepares to defend itself against the perceived danger.

• Adrenaline surges, muscles tense, and aggression or assertiveness increases.

• Common signs:

  • Anger, irritation, or rage

  • Confrontation, arguing, or physical aggression

  • Controlling or dominating behavior

  • A sense of power and resistance to threats

✅ Adaptive Example: Standing up to a bully
❌ Maladaptive Example: Uncontrollable aggression in non-threatening situations

---

2. Flight Response 🏃‍♂️ (Escaping the Threat)

• The body prioritizes getting away from danger.

• Heart rate increases, legs feel restless, and the mind focuses on escape routes.

• Common signs:

  • Anxiety, restlessness, or panic

  • Avoidance of conflict or uncomfortable situations

  • Overworking or excessive busyness

  • Feeling trapped or wanting to run away

✅ Adaptive Example: Running from a dangerous animal
❌ Maladaptive Example: Avoiding all difficult conversations due to fear

---

3. Freeze Response 🧊 (Becoming Still & Unresponsive)

• The body shuts down instead of fighting or fleeing.

• This happens when the brain perceives escape or defense as impossible.

• Common signs:

  • Feeling numb, dissociated, or "zoned out"

  • Inability to speak or move

  • Holding breath or feeling disconnected from reality

  • Procrastination or difficulty making decisions

✅ Adaptive Example: Staying still to avoid detection by a predator
❌ Maladaptive Example: Freezing under stress during a simple conversation

---

4. Fawn Response 🤝 (People-Pleasing to Stay Safe)

• The body tries to appease the threat to avoid harm.

• This response is common in trauma survivors, especially those with a history of abuse or neglect.

• Common signs:

  • Difficulty saying "no"

  • Prioritizing others' needs over your own

  • Fear of conflict or rejection

  • Over-apologizing and seeking approval

✅ Adaptive Example: Calming down an angry person to prevent escalation
❌ Maladaptive Example: Staying in toxic relationships due to fear of abandonment

---

Which Response is Most Common?

• People may switch between these responses based on context, past experiences, and personality.

• Some may default to one response more often due to childhood trauma or chronic stress.

Do you relate to one of these responses more than the others? Would you like coping strategies for a specific one? 😊