The fight-or-flight response is the body’s automatic reaction to perceived danger or threat. It’s a survival mechanism that prepares you to either fight the threat or run away (flight) from it.
How It Works:
When your brain detects danger — real or imagined — the amygdala (the brain’s fear center) sends a signal to the hypothalamus, which activates the sympathetic nervous system. This triggers the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline (epinephrine) and cortisol.
Physiological Changes:
These hormones cause several rapid changes in your body:
- Heart rate increases — to pump more blood to muscles.
- Breathing quickens — to take in more oxygen.
- Muscles tense up — ready for action.
- Pupils dilate — to improve vision.
- Digestion slows — energy is redirected from non-essential functions.
- Sweating increases — to cool the body.
Purpose:
This response evolved to help humans and animals survive immediate threats (like predators). Today, it can still be triggered by modern stressors like conflict, exams, or public speaking — even when physical danger isn’t present.
After the Threat:
Once the perceived threat passes, the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest-and-digest” system) helps the body return to normal, reducing heart rate and relaxing muscles.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 