Fawn Response: "I need to please others to feel safe"
The fawn response is a coping mechanism where a person prioritizes others' needs over their own to avoid conflict or rejection. This response is common in those who have experienced chronic stress or people-pleasing tendencies.
Signs You Might Be in Fawn Mode:
Struggling to say “no” or set boundaries
Feeling responsible for others' emotions or problems
Suppressing personal needs to avoid conflict
Feeling exhausted from constant people-pleasing
Fear of disappointing others
How This Relates to Inflammation:
Fawning often leads to chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, and burnout, which suppress immune function and increase systemic inflammation.
How to Shift Out of Fawn Mode:
Practice setting small, healthy boundaries in daily interactions
Reflect on your own needs and desires without guilt
Engage in self-care that is just for you, without seeking external validation