The Fight or Flight Response

The Trigger. Fear as an Alarm Signal

The complex process of anxiety always begins with a universal trigger, which is the emotion of fear.

This fear can be a reaction to something real that you have seen, as well as to a simple thought or memory.

When faced with a situation that the mind interprets as stressful or dangerous, the brain sends an immediate alarm signal to the entire body.

The Chemical Cascade. Activation of Adrenaline

This fear signal activates a powerful reaction in the brain, initiating the production of the stress hormone, known as adrenaline.

Adrenaline is responsible for activating different parts of the body to prepare it for what is perceived as an imminent threat.

Its only function is to ensure that the body has all the necessary resources to effectively fight or flee from danger.

Preparation for Action. Involuntary Physiological Changes

Adrenaline causes the heart rate to increase, pumping more blood to the heart and major muscle groups in the body.

At the same time, the body gets a sudden burst of energy and strength, and even the nervous system can numb the pain.

Other non-essential functions, such as digestion, slow down so that all energy can be focused solely on the task of survival.

These changes happen so quickly that we are often not even aware of them, as we have no voluntary control over this ancient biological process.

In fact, the reaction is so effective that the brain initiates it before it can visually process all the details of the threatening situation.

A Perfect Protective Mechanism

This mechanism is incredibly brilliant and effective when we are faced with a real emergency, such as a car mounting the curb.

It allows us to jump out of danger instinctively, even before we've had time to think about what's really happening.

In these situations of real danger, the fight-or-flight response is the brain acting perfectly to protect us and keep us safe.

The problem with chronic anxiety arises when this perfect protection system is repeatedly activated in the face of threats that are only imaginary.

Summary

Anxiety begins with fear, which can be real or imagined. In the face of danger, the brain sends an alarm signal that triggers the release of adrenaline, preparing the body to fight or flee from a threat.

Adrenaline causes physiological changes. The heart rate speeds up and blood is pumped to the muscles. You get a burst of strength, and pain is numbed. The whole process is automatic, ensuring that the body focuses on survival.

Although this mechanism is perfect in the face of real dangers, it becomes a problem when it is activated by imaginary threats. The fight-or-flight response is chronically activated, exhausting the body and mind, which is the root of anxiety.