Last week on Instagram, I posted a graphic about the fight, flight, freeze, and newly added fawn response. This post struck a nerve*. In today’s Counselor on Call, I’m going to briefly share these responses and ways to regulate to calm down your body, mind, and emotions.
Here’s a quick overview of the fight, flight, freeze, and fawn response.
- Fight: Aggressive, controlling, narcissistic behavior
- Flight: Workaholic, overthinking, perfectionistic, difficulty sitting still
- Freeze: Difficulty making decisions, feeling stuck, isolating, feeling numb
- Fawn: People pleasing, lack of identity, no boundaries, feeling overwhelmed, and codependent
A few coping strategies:
- Find your breath
- Ground with your senses – 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
- Practice acceptance
Resources :
Thank you for joining me this week on the Thrive: Mental Health and the Art of Living Free. Make sure to visit my website, where you can subscribe to the show on Apple or Stitcher, so you never miss a show. Hey, while you’re at it, please help me out by adding some stars to the rating and tell a friend about the show.
*DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek your doctor’s advice or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or my website.
If you need counseling, please check out Psychology Today or Nami for helpful resources.
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