The fawn response is a newer addition to the stress response types. It’s characterized by a strong desire to please others and avoid conflict.
When we encounter a stressful situation, our bodies release adrenaline and cortisol, which can trigger the fawn response. This response is characterized by a tendency to be overly accommodating and submissive, often at the expense of our own needs and desires.
While the fawn response can be useful in certain social situations, chronic activation can lead to feelings of resentment and low self-esteem.
Example of a Fawn Response
Imagine Sarah is visiting her family for the holidays. Her family members have a history of being emotionally manipulative and critical, and Sarah’s fawn response is triggered. She feels an overwhelming urge to please her family and avoid conflict, even if it means sacrificing her own needs and boundaries. She may go along with their plans or requests, even if they make her uncomfortable or unhappy. Her body releases oxytocin, which can cause her to feel a sense of social bonding and connection with her family, even if the relationship is toxic.
In this scenario, Sarah’s fawn response is causing her to prioritize her family’s needs over her own, which can ultimately harm her well-being. To address her fawn response, Sarah could try setting clear boundaries and assertively communicating her needs to her family members. She could also practice self-care and self-compassion, such as taking breaks from family gatherings or seeking support from trusted friends or a therapist. By addressing the underlying causes of her fawn response, Sarah may find that she is better able to prioritize her own well-being and maintain healthier relationships with her family members.
If you’re stuck in a FAWN stress response, learn how you can regulate your nervous system and adapt to stress in my podcast course Already Enough. Click the link to learn more!
