Fight, Flight or Freeze in Stress Management Pt3
Sometimes when a stressful event occurs all the physiological activity within the body may not cease, in this case the person can be left with muscular activity such as shaking, shivering and dry mouth. These occur as the body tries to release the energy that the body has built up, but that energy is no longer needed.
In however this fight or flight is triggered continuously, then the boy reaches burnout, and once in burnout it can be a slow return to recovery as the body remembers the stress reaction. When the body has had enough then it makes you ill to the point that you can not continue. If during the recovery fight or flight is breached, the effects can often be worse as the body become very protective. With burnout the average recovery time is 2 days for every day that Burnout has been reached.
In conclusion
Fight or flight is a natural stress reaction, and if the stressor is not dealt with another way, the following apply and create fight or flight.
- adrenalin released
- The liver releases its store of blood sugar to send to muscles for quick energy.
- Breathing becomes faster to take in more oxygen. Oxygen is needed by muscles to help transform sugar into energy. Faster breathing also helps to get rid of excess carbon dioxide.
- The heart beats faster to transport the oxygen carrying blood to the parts that need it. As a result of this the blood pressure rises.
- To conserve energy there is a shutdown of non-essential operations, such as digestion. Secretions also stop, so the mouth is left feeling dry.
- The bladder and bowels may evacuate any excess loads they are carrying.
- Sweating increases in order to cool down the skin which, during the imminent action, would become hot from the bodyâs exertions.
- The senses become more alert. The slightest touch provokes a reaction; sight and hearing are enhanced.
- Blood is diverted to muscles away form the areas that donât need it, so you may become pale.
- Tense muscles give off lactic acid into the blood stream, which has the effect of increasing anxiety.
