Fight, flight, freeze & fawn worksheets

THE FIGHT RESPONSE

WHAT IS IT?

The fight response occurs when your brain and body feels that it is in danger and believes you can overpower the threat. When this happens, the brain releases signals to the body preparing it for the physical demands of fighting. This response is needed and helpful when experiencing actual physical threats of harm, however when this happens as a result of a “false alarm”, this can cause conflict and result in impulsive behaviours that may cause the person harm.

WHY DOES IT OCCUR? The fight response tends to stem from the unconscious belief that maintaining power and control over others will lead to acceptance and safety. Individuals with a fight response as the default may have grown up in households where controlling behaviours were frequently modelled.

WHAT DOES THE FIGHT RESPONSE LOOK LIKE?

Common expressions of fight may include:

Experiencing the extremes of emotions. Having the urge to punch something or someone.

A feeling of intense anger. Crying as a result of overwhelm or anger. Causing conflict or going on the attack in conversation. A feeling of a knot or stone in the stomach.

Tensing of the jaw. Grinding the teeth.