Why Did I React Like That? Understanding Fight, Flight, Freeze & Fawn.

Have you ever walked away from a situation thinking ...'I can’t believe I reacted like that?'

Maybe you snapped when you didn’t mean to. Maybe you shut down and went quiet.

Or maybe you agreed to something you really didn’t want to do.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

What you experienced was likely your nervous system stepping in to protect you.

Your Body Has Its Reasons

Your nervous system works in the background 24/7, scanning your surroundings and relationships, quietly asking:

• Am I safe?

• Do I need to protect myself?

• Can I relax here?

When it senses danger, whether that danger is physical or emotional, it acts fast.

It doesn’t stop to check if you 'should' feel that way.

It moves you into one of four protective states: FIGHT, FLIGHT, FREEZE or FAWN.

FIGHT

You meet the threat head-on.

This might look like:

• A rush of anger;

• Irritability; or

• Needing to control what’s happening.

FLIGHT

You need to get away.

This might feel like:

• Restlessness;

• Anxiety or racing thoughts; or

• Avoidance.

FREEZE

Everything stops.

You might notice:

• Feeling numb or detached;

• Brain fog; or

• Being unable to speak or move.

FAWN

You focus on keeping the peace.

This can show up as:

• People-pleasing;

• Over-apologising; or

• Ignoring your own needs.

It’s Not a Flaw ... It’s PROTECTION!

These states aren’t personality traits or 'bad habits.'

They’re learned survival patterns. They are your body’s way of keeping you safe, especially if you’ve experienced stress or trauma in the past.

Understanding them isn’t about making excuses.

It’s about replacing shame with self-awareness, and criticism with compassion.

Learning to Work With Your Nervous System

At Collective Therapy Hub, I don’t try to 'push past' these states.

Instead, I help you to:

• Recognise which state you’re in;

• Understand why your body responds that way; and

• Learn gentle tools to return to balance.

Through MIND + BODY HEALTH THERAPIES I create space for your body to feel safe enough to soften, and for you to rebuild trust in yourself.

A Gentle Reminder

Your reactions make sense, even if you don’t fully understand them yet.

Your body isn’t working against you, it’s been protecting you all along.

And with time, care, and the right support, you can learn to respond with choice instead of habit. This part is important.

THIS is how safety is rebuilt.

THIS is how healing begins.

AND you don’t have to do it alone.

With warmth and care

Jodhi x