In this episode, we discuss the various "defense systems" we have access to when we feeling unsafe and threatened. We look at these through an evolutionary lens, but more specifically, how they show can show up in an unhealthy way in our day-to-day life. Most of us are familiar with the fight, flight, and freeze, but fewer of us are aware of the fourth, fawn ... Show More
Oct 2025
Understand the fight, flight, freeze, and fawn survival responses
533. Do you snap at your loved ones, shut down in meetings, or go to great lengths to please others? In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson looks at the four survival responses: fight, flight, freeze, and fawn. She looks at how these deeply rooted biological reactions manifest in yo ... Show More
9m 19s
Aug 2025
Inside Your Nervous System: Survival Modes & How to Feel Less Anxious
Your body has a default survival pattern like fight, flight, freeze, and fawn which shape how you respond to stress, emotions and triggers. In this episode, you’ll learn how to recognize these patterns, understand your “window of tolerance,” and work with your nervous system to f ... Show More
27m 41s
Jun 2024
The Fawn Response: People Pleasing, Self-Abandonment, and Standing Up for Yourself
Dr. Rick and Forrest finish their series on the stress responses with the fawn response: an appeasement strategy where we manage stressful situations by giving others what they want. Rick and Forrest start by discussing common symptoms, including people pleasing, self-abandonment ... Show More
1h 13m
May 2022
The Ego Defense Mechanisms
We've all heard the term, “defense mechanisms” before. You have probably even used this term before. The question is, do we really know what they are and why they even exist? This week, Kat is going to help us figure that out. In this episode, you will learn about the development ... Show More
30m 3s
May 2024
Anxiety and the Freeze Response (Episode 64)
<p>Everyone talks about the fight or flight response. But what about the freeze and fawn responses, which are also found in the anxiety disorder community?</p>
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<p>This week Josh and Drew dig into the freeze response to anxiety, panic, and perceived threat. What is the ... Show More
44m 40s
Apr 2023
#250 - Stress In Medicine and Dentistry: PART 2: When We Fight
<p>From time to time, when we’re angry or frustrated, we may feel like we need our defenses up in order to protect ourselves as we feel threatened. In this episode, Dr. Tarryn MacCarthy talks about another response to fear or stress that humans have: fight. The fight response is ... Show More
34m 29s
May 2024
Understanding the “Flight” Response: Anxiety, Avoidance, and Feeling Safe
Dr. Rick and Forrest discuss the “flight” response to stress, which includes feelings of anxiety and fear, avoidant behavior, and an underlying sense of insecurity. They explore the emotions and behaviors associated with the flight response, and how we can build up a stronger, mo ... Show More
1h 19m