29/08/2026
Unfortunately, we don’t get to pick how we fall apart or react in a crisis!
Fight, flight, freeze and fawn can happen before we’ve had much chance to consciously think about what we’re doing.
These responses aren’t simply behaviours we’ve learnt - our brains and bodies are built to respond to threat. But our experiences over the years can influence which response we’re more likely to fall into and what our nervous system interprets as stressful or threatening.
Our early environment can play a part too. If you grew up watching a parent become angry under pressure, avoid conflict, shut down or keep everyone happy, some of those ways of dealing with stress can become familiar to you too.
And we can react differently depending on the situation. You might fight at work, freeze during confrontation and fawn in a relationship.
So, can we change these responses, become more aware of them and have more choice in how we react?
Yes, we can.
Start by noticing your earliest signs: your heart racing, mind going blank, suddenly wanting to escape, becoming very still, or immediately trying to keep someone else happy.
Then create a small gap before responding. Breathe out slowly, move your body, look around you, feel your feet on the floor or simply say, “Give me a second.”
Don’t let your survival response makes all the decisions.