Understanding Your Stress Defaults: Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn & Fit In

In this episode of Designed to Thrive with Dr. Brooke, Dr. Brooke explores how the nervous system responds when life feels like more than the body can adapt to in the moment.Through the lens of Polyvagal Theory, she breaks down the autonomic nervous system, the sympathetic and parasympathetic responses, and why stress is more nuanced than simply “fight or flight.” You’ll learn about the stress defaults of fight, flight, freeze, fawn, and fitting in — and how recognizing your own patterns can create more compassion, self-awareness, and healing.Dr. Brooke also shares a vulnerable reflection about how understanding the fawn and fit-in responses helped her release shame around a past experience and meet her body with more grace.This episode is an invitation to understand your body’s protective responses, build more nervous system capacity, and remember that you are designed to thrive.A gentle note before listening: This episode includes mention of sexual rupture and a non-graphic reference to rape/sexual coercion. Please listen with care and honor what feels supportive for your nervous system.Chapters00:00 — Understanding Stress and the Nervous SystemWhy stress responses are not simply mindset issues, but nervous system patterns.06:40 — Polyvagal Theory ExplainedA simple breakdown of the autonomic nervous system using the gas pedal and brake pedal analogy.13:48 — Responses to Stress: Fawning and Fitting InHow stress can show up as people-pleasing, blending in, or saying yes when something inside you wants to say no.17:48 — Healing Through Awareness and EmbodimentHow understanding your nervous system defaults can bring compassion, release shame, and support deeper healing.Key TopicsPolyvagal Theory and stressThe autonomic nervous systemFight, flight, freeze, fawn, and fit inWhy fawning can look like saying yes when your body is signaling noRecognizing your default stress patternsReleasing shame through nervous system understandingBuilding capacity to return to safety, neutrality, and easeSound Bites“Stress responses are nuanced and individual.”“Sometimes we say yes outwardly when something inside of us is saying no.”“Your nervous system is not betraying you — it is trying to protect you.”“You are designed to thrive.”Resource MentionedCall of the Wild: How We Heal Trauma, Awaken Our Own Power, and Use It for Good by Kimberly Ann JohnsonDr. Brooke mentions learning more about Polyvagal Theory and the nervous system through Kimberly Ann Johnson’s work, especially her book Call of the Wild, which explores trauma healing, nervous system resilience, embodiment, sexuality, boundaries, and reclaiming personal power through the wisdom of the body.Amazon link:https://www.amazon.com/Call-Wild-Kimberly-Ann-Johnson/dp/0062970909Keywordsnervous system, Polyvagal Theory, stress response, fight or flight, freeze response, fawn response, fitting in, embodiment, trauma healing, chiropractic care, women’s healing, Designed to ThriveConnect with Dr. BrookeWebsite:https://thrivewithdrbrooke.comEmail:[email protected]