FORUMS

Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

  • 47,612Members
  • 1,358,869Posts
  • 1,400,000Visitors
Something’s not right

Fawn/freeze/flight mode and shut down after being yelled at

Fawn/freeze/flight mode and shut down after being yelled at

Was in a situation where I got full shouted at on the weekend. I froze up/fawned and then as soon as I could, ran and cried in the bathroom until I can semi pull myself back together, very embarrassed.



The person later apologised, and people keep saying "that's just how they are", or "they're like that with everyone".

This person apologised for making me upset, and said/made the observation to me that they yell at everyone over these things, so it's not just me - not a personal thing etc.

And while I understand the reason I was pulled up and addressed, I feel that the way this person went about it was so incredibly out of order and that it's unacceptable for a person in the position this person is in to speak to people in that way.

It was four days ago, and I have wanted to self harm more in the last four days than I have for ages.

I am aware that I've been in a heightened emotional state over the last little while, so I am also factoring that in.

I also have borderline personality disorder, and possible other neurodivergent stuff is always there,

But I really feel so so raw and emotionally out of whack, and cross that I was put in that situation.

3 replies

1 - 3 of 3

In response to: Fawn/freeze/flight mode and shut down after being yelled at

Re: Fawn/freeze/flight mode and shut down after being yelled at

Hi @SkateyGirl

I'll send you a check in email as well but just want to share here that you have all the reason in the world to react any way you feel is appropriate to being abused.

There is support available if you need it at Home | 1800RESPECT.


In response to: Fawn/freeze/flight mode and shut down after being yelled at

Re: Fawn/freeze/flight mode and shut down after being yelled at

Hey @SkateyGirl ,

It really rubs me the wrong way too when people are not appropriate in how they say things or unfair/unjust.

Would you feel better if you had a safe way to give them feedback on the way they spoke to you?

That is, to have a voice?

In response to: Fawn/freeze/flight mode and shut down after being yelled at

Re: Fawn/freeze/flight mode and shut down after being yelled at

Hey @SkateyGirl

It’s really frustrating when others justify bad behaviour with “that’s just how they are”. I can see how much their actions impacted you. It doesn’t really matter that it wasn’t personal, it caused you a great deal of pain. Is there anyone you can talk to about this? It makes complete sense to feel emotionally out of whack.

1 - 3 of 3