Understanding Stress Responses: Fight, Flight, Freeze, or Fawn
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Chapter 1: The Evolution of Stress Responses
In contemporary society, many of us are aware of the sensations that negative stress can evoke, triggering our sympathetic nervous system to choose between fleeing or confronting a threat. However, the nature of stress has significantly shifted throughout human evolution, aligning more with psychological and social pressures rather than physical dangers.
Historically, our ancestors faced tangible threats such as wild animals, natural disasters, and harsh environments. Today, we predominantly inhabit enclosed spaces, yet our brains continue to respond to stress as if we were still encountering those primal dangers.
Our limbic system releases stress hormones like epinephrine and adrenaline, priming our bodies for action, regardless of whether the situation involves public speaking or an actual predator. Recent insights into human evolution highlight an additional response: freezing. This instinctive reaction occurs when an individual feels threatened, causing them to become momentarily paralyzed—not just in the presence of an obvious danger, but even at the mere suggestion of it. For instance, I observed a baby bunny freeze at the sound of a gate clanking, likely triggered by the scent of a nearby dog.
Our Automatic Responses
Humans, like all animals, possess instinctual and rapid reactions to threats. Decisions about whether to fight, flee, or freeze occur almost instantaneously, without the luxury of deliberation.
In addition to these responses, the term "fawn" has emerged to describe another instinctual behavior. Fawning involves attempting to appease a potential predator, persuading them that one is not a threat or a target for aggression. This response suggests a level of cognitive processing but is also rooted in our social nature.
For instance, during a high-stakes job interview, one might experience significant anxiety, yet still project friendliness and positivity. While internally grappling with fears about financial stability, the outward demeanor often remains pleasant, showcasing the fawning instinct. This behavior is not inherently deceptive; rather, it reflects a natural tendency to maintain calm in stressful circumstances.
The Trade-off of Triggers
In today’s discourse, being "triggered" often carries negative connotations, leading some to perceive affected individuals as weak. However, every person possesses innate triggers, particularly related to past traumas. Even without direct experience of trauma, individuals may react to familiar phrases or situations that resonate with previous negative experiences.
The physiological responses we feel are deeply embedded in our shared biological history. Acknowledging these automatic reactions can help us understand why we sometimes overreact, enabling us to manage stress more effectively in social contexts.
By learning to confront challenging situations, we can foster resilience and courage. The fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses serve as our body's warning system, protecting us from excessive danger and stress. However, we also possess the ability to reason and analyze our triggers, which can be crucial for maintaining balance and avoiding overwhelming anxiety or panic attacks.
Behavioral therapies, along with reflective practices such as reasoning and meditation, can assist in discerning between real and perceived threats.
The first video, Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn: Understanding Your Stress Responses, delves into these automatic reactions, exploring their origins and implications in our modern lives.