Identifying and Calming the Fight or Flight Response
What is Fight or Flight? Fight-or-flight is an automatic reaction of the autonomic nervous system, triggered by the hypothalamus, signaling the body that there is a threat and releasing adrenaline and cortisol, enabling us to either fight or flee a perceived threat. It is designed to keep us safe in emergencies. Fight or flight is the more well-known response, however, freezing and fawning are also highly effective and common responses in survival. The stress response includes physical, behavioral and thought responses to our perception of various situations. While meant for imminent physical dangers (like stopping your younger sister from running in the street after a ball or dodging a car on the highway that inadvertently came into your lane), this system is often triggered by modern psychological stress, such as intense work stress, school stress, public speaking, an argument with a loved one, or other fear, and anxiety provoking events.