The “Fight, Flight or Freeze” response is something that is relevant to many mental health conditions.
It is also often called the ‘Fight or Flight’ response, or the ‘Acute Stress response’. These are all the same idea.
In this article, we look at the fight, flight or freeze response, and see how it is relevant to mental health.
The “Fight, Flight or Freeze” Response defined
Essentially, the ‘Fight, Flight or Freeze’ response is the body’s automatic system which is designed to protect an individual from a threat or danger.
As mentioned, several mental health conditions are involved in this response – especially Anxiety and Dissociative disorders.
The Fight, Flight or Freeze process
Like any animal, human beings over time have created ways to protect ourselves from danger and harm.
Whenever our bodies feel danger could be imminent, certain hormones are released, including adrenaline and cortisol.
These hormones affect the body in different ways. The release of the hormones coincides with blood being sent to where it’s needed most – after making the heart beat faster.
Moreover, someone will feel more alert after the release of the hormones. Again – this is a natural process. However, it can be challenging to go through!
But when the danger has passed, the body then reacts differently. Again hormones are released, but in this instance, it is done with the intention to help our muscles relax.
Unfortunately, this can cause shakiness, and general anxiety. Nearly all humans will be able to relate to this feeling.
This is referred to as the ‘fight, flight or freeze’ response. As you can see, it is a natural process that happens automatically in the body.
What mental health conditions involve the fight, flight or freeze response?
As this is a regular process that all humans go through, it can feasibly be involved in any mental health condition.
However, it is especially linked to the following conditions:
Summary
Overall, the fight, flight or freeze response is challenging to go through, but clearly plays an important role in the lives of humans.
Anyone that is having a difficult time mentally should reach out and seek treatment. You can find plenty of mental health-related information on our website.
See Also
- What is a Mental Breakdown? Signs, Symptoms and Information
- Rumination in Mental Health: What Is It and Why Do We Do It?
- Stress: What is it and How to Cope with it?
- What Impact Does Ozempic (Semaglutide) Have on Mental Health?
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