Flight or fight response
Whenever we are faced with imminent danger either physically or mentally, our bodies react physiologically. This acute stress response is what we refer to as flight –or –fight response. When you are in danger, you could either stay and fight or flee the area hence being referred to as flight or fight response. Usually, the body releases hormones causing physiological symptoms that trigger the brain through the central nervous system to prompt you to react from the danger
The hormones released as a result of the symptoms are called adrenalin and noradrenalin. When these hormones are released, one experiences an increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and fast breathing. Each of these signs has specified functions to our bodies, and they are not accidental.
- Increased heartbeat and high breathing rate; to make a rapid response, the body requires sufficient energy and oxygen, increasing the heartbeat and breathing ensures the body is in constant supply.
- Dilated pupils; Dilation of the pupils ensures there is more light going in the eyes, increasing its vision of the surroundings.During fight or flight response, the body needs to be sharp-eyed on what surrounds it.
- Trembling; when your body muscles become tensed and geared up to act, they might start shaking.
Importance of fight or flight response
Fight or flight response highly determines how we deal with dangerous or stressful situations. The response formulates the body to stay and fight or flee from the supposed threat. The threat could be very real or imaginary, but the response symptoms are constant.
Fight or flight response prepares the body for quick action making you more efficient and increasing your performance even when under pressure. This can increase your work-rate at work or school yielding good results. In situations where it is life-threatening, the response can be crucial for your survival. You can evaluate the amount of danger you are facing, and you can run or stay and fight.
How To Deal With Flight or Fight Response.
In most cases, fight or flight response is a form of defense; however, some people could experience overly sensitive reactions.These responses are referred to as flight or fight response anxiety. To treat abnormal fight or flight may involve psychotherapy and counseling to understand the root cause
In severe anxiety cases or post-traumatic stress disorder, pharmaceutical treatment may be recommended.
If the anxiety is mild, an individual could use self-help techniques to help control fight or flight response symptoms. By willingly breathing slowly, the heart rate and adrenaline response can be controlled.