The ‘Fawn Response’ Syndrome

Today let’s talk a little bit about the ‘Fawn Response’ – something that I have personally struggled with for a large part of my life. I have also put together something extremely helpful for you to overcome these tendencies, so read on for more 🙂

Did it help? Yes, most certainly it did. But only in the short term. Issues never got spoken about, relationships never got repaired, emotions never expressed or understood, and healthy boundaries were never drawn. And so, I paid a huge cost for it in the long run. 

Now I have come a long way from that…

It is important for all of us to understand the ‘Fawn Syndrome’. Simply put, ‘Fawn’ response is when one gives up his/her own needs, to AVOID conflict, criticism, or disapproval. ‘Fawing’ happens when we try to pacify or please others to feel safe.

As a result of this need to feel safe, the Fawn types seek safety by accommodating/merging with the wishes, needs, and demands of others, just to keep the PEACE. Hence, many of us have unconsciously developed this ‘fawn’ response when faced with a threat.

I recognized my own tendency to respond this way. But, repressing my own needs did not help me at all. It just ended up creating greater levels of anger and resentment for giving in, and not standing up for what mattered to me. 

Individuals with the “Fawn Syndrome” pattern are often TARGETED by colleagues/friends who have a desire to control people around them. In these situations, the fawn response creates a dangerous cycle where the ‘controllers’ demand more and more, and the individual is left feeling greater levels of anger, guilt, and self-hate for giving in. When we constantly give in to what others expect and want from us, we detach from our own sense of identity and our personal power. And that’s not okay! 

Do you relate to this?

It’s time to stop playing small and regain our sense of personal power. 

With my experience in this work, I have created a short document to give you 3 strategies to overcome the tendency to have a ‘fawn’ response to situations. It’s worth a read! 

Click on this link below to download the PDF about 3 Ways To Overcome The Fawn Response. Because each one of us deserves to feel emotionally healthy and happy.
Download here

If you resonate with our thoughts on the Fawn Response and are looking for more, take a look at our top-rated development workshop on managing conflicts that will change your beliefs, Click here

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