What is the flight/fight response?

The “fight or flight” response is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event, attack, or threat to survival.

When faced with danger, the body prepares itself to either confront the threat (fight) or escape from it (flight).

Here’s a breakdown of what happens during the fight or flight response:

Perception of Threat: When a person perceives a threat, whether it’s a physical danger or a stressful situation or a perceived threat, the brain’s amygdala, an almond-shaped structure, sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus, which then activates the sympathetic nervous system.

Activation of Sympathetic Nervous System: The sympathetic nervous system triggers several physiological changes to prepare the body for action. This includes the release of adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine) into the bloodstream.

Physical Changes: These hormones cause various changes in the body, such as:

Increased heart rate to pump more blood to the muscles.

Dilation of the airways in the lungs to increase oxygen intake.

Release of glucose from energy stores to provide fuel for the muscles.

Dilation of pupils to improve vision.

Inhibition of non-essential bodily functions, like digestion, to conserve energy.

Enhanced Focus and Awareness: The increased adrenaline can lead to heightened awareness, improved focus, and a quicker reaction time.

This response is an evolutionary adaptation that helped our ancestors survive life-threatening situations. While it’s crucial for dealing with immediate danger, prolonged or frequent activation of the fight or flight response can have negative effects on health, contributing to issues like chronic stress, anxiety, and high blood pressure.

Being aware of how the body reacts under stress allows individuals to make more informed decisions. When in a heightened state of arousal, taking a moment to breathe and calm down can lead to better choices rather than acting impulsively.