Understanding Stress Responses: The 5 F's Explained by Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes
Our body perceives a threat out there, so we either fight, flee, Fawn, freeze or forget about it.
Ever wondered why you react the way you do when stressed? Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes sheds light on this in her enlightening episode of the 'Counselor Toolbox Podcast'. She breaks down the five key stress responses: Fight, Flee, Fawn, Freeze, and the 'Forget about it' response. Each of these reactions has a functional role in how we handle perceived threats, and understanding them can be a game-changer in managing stress effectively.
The Fight response isn’t just about physical confrontation; it’s also about harnessing determination and motivation. The Flee response helps you recognize when to walk away from situations where success seems impossible. Fawning involves trying to appease the threat when fighting or fleeing isn't an option. Freezing is a natural reaction, often linked to traumatic experiences, while the 'Forget about it' response is your body’s way of coping with burnout. Dr.
Snipes offers practical advice on how to manage these stress responses and make better decisions before reaching the burnout stage. This episode is packed with insights that can help you understand your reactions and improve your stress management strategies.