Understanding the Fight or Flight Response: Physiological Changes and Strategies for Managing Stress and Anxiety

The Fight or Flight response

– for our survival – norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline) – eyes dilate- blood constriction and flow- lungs – immune system is put on hold – our “animal brain” is triggered and our PFC is put on hold. – it cant just be turned off

The fight or flight response is a primal physiological reaction that occurs when the body senses a perceived threat or danger. This response is an innate survival mechanism that prepares the body to either fight the perceived threat or flee from it.

When the fight or flight response is triggered, the body releases the stress hormone adrenaline, which causes a variety of physical changes. Some of these changes include:

– Increased heart rate: This prepares the body to pump more blood to the muscles that may be needed for fighting or running.
– Rapid breathing: This brings in more oxygen to support heightened physical activity.
– Dilated pupils: This increases visual sensitivity so that the person can scan their environment for potential threats.
– Tightened muscles: This helps the body prepare for action.

Together, these changes help the body to quickly respond to the perceived danger. Fight or flight can help someone to escape a potentially harmful situation, but it can also cause physical symptoms that can be uncomfortable or even dangerous, particularly if the threat is perceived but not actually present.

In today’s society, many people experience chronic stress or anxiety that can trigger the fight or flight response too frequently, leading to a range of negative health outcomes. Therefore, learning how to identify and manage stressors can be essential for promoting overall wellbeing.

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