We’ve all heard the phrase “fight or flight” in the context of how our body responds to a dangerous situation. What many people don’t realize, however, is that there is a third response to trauma: fawning. Fawning is a complex yet common response to trauma that can have serious implications for mental health. That’s why it’s important to understand why we need to stop the fawning trauma response and what resources are available to help manage its effects.
At Purple Sky Counseling in Murray, UT, we specialize in helping clients understand and manage their trauma response. We provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore the best strategies for managing trauma and its effects.
What Is Fawning?
Fawning is a type of trauma response that causes a person to become submissive or compliant in order to appease a perceived threat. It is an unconscious response that is often triggered when we feel threatened. During a fawning response, our bodies produce a combination of hormones that cause us to become submissive in order to appease the perceived threat.
Fawning is often seen as a survival strategy, but it can also have a detrimental effect on our mental health. People who have experienced trauma may find themselves engaging in fawning behavior in order to avoid re-traumatization. Unfortunately, this can lead to further psychological and emotional distress in the long run.
Why Do We Need to Stop the Fawning Trauma Response?
The fawning trauma response can be damaging to our mental health, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, and shame. It can also lead to a lack of self-esteem and an inability to trust our own instincts.
Fawning can also prevent us from engaging in healthy relationships. As we become more accustomed to fawning behavior, we may find ourselves in situations where we are unable to set boundaries or express our own needs and wants. This can lead to further feelings of isolation or loneliness.
How Can We Stop the Fawning Trauma Response?
The first step in managing fawning is to recognize it for what it is. It is important to be aware of the signs of fawning so that we can begin to address it. Common signs of fawning can include:
• Feeling helpless or powerless
• Difficulty saying “no”
• Feeling the need to please others
• Feeling overly apologetic
• Avoiding conflict
• Difficulty expressing feelings
• Feeling like a victim
Once you have identified the signs of fawning, it is important to begin to practice self-care. This can include engaging in activities that help you to relax, such as yoga or meditation. It is also important to recognize your own needs and to practice setting boundaries.
At Purple Sky Counseling in Murray, UT, we specialize in helping clients manage their trauma response and develop healthy coping skills. Our experienced counselors provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore the best strategies for managing your trauma response. We understand that trauma can be difficult to process and that it can take time to learn how to cope. We are here to support you on your journey.
Conclusion
Fawning is a complex trauma response that can have serious implications for mental health. That’s why it’s important to understand why we need to stop the fawning trauma response and the resources available to help manage it. At Purple Sky Counseling in Murray, UT, we specialize in helping clients understand and manage their trauma response. Our experienced counselors provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore the best strategies for managing your trauma response. We understand that trauma can be difficult to process and that it can take time to learn how to cope. We are here to support you on your journey.