Have you ever caught yourself saying yes when you really meant no? Maybe you notice yourself managing other people’s feelings, apologizing constantly, or avoiding conflict even when something really matters to you. Maybe you leave conversations feeling resentful, exhausted, or like you disappeared somewhere along the way. If this sounds familiar, you may be experiencing the fawn trauma response.

he holiday season can bring magic, comfort, and the soft glow of connection. At the same time, it can stir up memories, tension, and emotional overwhelm, especially for people who carry trauma histories. This time of year tends to magnify everything. The joy feels brighter. The pressure feels heavier. The old wounds feel closer to the surface. For many clients and families I work with, the phrase “family gathering” does not bring up images of laughter and warmth. Instead, it brings a sense of bracing for what might come next.

Have you ever wanted connection with a partner, friend, or loved one, and found yourself pulling away just as it appears? Maybe someone offers comfort or closeness, and it brings more tension than relaxation. You might find yourself overthinking, worrying about saying the wrong thing, or simply needing space when your heart secretly longs closeness. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

In my early 20s, I had an idea that the year ahead would be me “finally getting my mental health in order” – whatever that meant.