Most of you will have heard of this phrase and you will in all probability understand most of it. However, I am guessing that you have clicked on this page to get a little more understanding. Firstly there is a list of physiological changes that happen during stress and the fight and flight syndrome. By looking at the list, you will also probably realise that have experienced some if not all of the sensations during stressful situations that have happened to you. Remember this is a basic point by point.
To expand in more detail; the fight and flight response is a natural physiological response that occurs in the human body. The actual biological response is always present to some small degree. Why is that so? We all need a certain amount of stress in ones life to live, to go about our daily work, routine etc. Hence we have a certain level of awareness of our surroundings, this helps us because as soon as we become aware of changes this will trigger the stress response/ fight or flight syndrome. This prepares our body mentally and physically to either run or fight 'through' the situation. This is great if our perception of the actual situation warrants our fear, but if it does not, if it is inappropriate, this actually results with the same response but no outlet / release. In essence the pressure continues to build and this is when coping techniques need to be engaged.
As I have listed a number of changes that occur during the stress response / fight or flight syndrome. Some of which we can notice immediately and part of stress management is identifying the process of what actually happens in our bodies when under stress. That way we can understand why we feel the way we do or why we feel, we need to do something physical etc. One needs an understanding and some basic knowledge at least of the most common signs of distress. It is distress that one experiences when the perception of a situation and our perception of our coping skills are mismatched. When we feel we cannot cope, we become distressed.
As you can see these also match other lists produced on this site, neither of which is complete as there are many symptoms, this was just to provide you with the general idea. Distress does not just mean mental, it does cover physical. As you can see a number of these symptoms are also indicative of feelings that could be released if some activity could be done, but when stress is chronic and not life threatening the body cannot get rid of all the hormones it released, to defend itself. For example, the reason why muscular pain and discomfort are often felt and experienced is that there was a release of reserved energy to help with running or fighting, muscles are tense to help in either matter. When the extra energy is not utilized, it remains in the body and turns into lactic acid, which is quite painful often leading to cramps.
The release of hormones Adrenaline, Noradrenaline AND Cortisol can also cause cognition problems if not completely used. The overproduction of noradrenaline can lead to aggression, in the stress response this is good along with the fact it helps one focus and become alert. However, overproduction can lead to pent up frustration, muscular problems, loss of concentration thinking skills loose their 'edge' and one can become more irritable, angry and hostile. Adrenaline is the hormone used to motivate us quickly as it is released into the blood the heart beats quickly along with a fast blood supply to all the major organs. However, if it has no release this can cause digestion problems, anxiety, and feelings of 'palpitations' panic, fear, and withdrawal. Cortisol is another hormone released which if not used can also causes anxiety, depression, withdrawal etc. All these hormones are essential during the fight and flight syndrome / stress response but if they are NOT used the side effects can cause problems of distress.
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The heartbeat increases; this is to pump the blood to the necessary parts of the body quickly. The blood carries oxygen and other nutrients to all the body. It also collects and gets rid of waste products, such as carbon dioxide. (Through the respiration system - explanations do follow on different pages). In other words, the heart is working much harder, than it would in a relaxed state.
As the heart rate increases, so does the blood pressure. This is the pressure exerted on the artery walls by the blood as it flows through them. On average, the 'normal' adult blood pressure is 120/80 but this does increase in times of stress and exertion
Breathing becomes more shallow and rapid as the body tries to obtain more oxygen.
Adrenaline and other hormones are released into the blood stream.
The liver releases stored sugar into the blood stream to meet the increased need for more energy to ensure survival.
The pupils dilate to let more light and other senses become heightened so the brain becomes acutely aware of all things around the body.
Muscles tense for movement, either to fight or to run. The muscles most often tensed are the thighs, hips, back, shoulders, arm, jaw, and facial.
Blood flow is constricted to the digestive organs. This is because we do not use our digestive system during the fight or flight syndrome.
Blood flow increases to the brain and major organs; this is because the brain, heart, lungs etc are those in most need for oxygen in this state.
Blood flow increases to the major muscles, this is to aid both fighting and running.
Blood flow is constricted to the extremities such as our hands and feet as there are other organs more important for the survival.
The body perspires to cool itself, as the body increases the metabolic rate to meet the increased energy requirements this response increases the heat output.
Blood clotting agents are released in anticipation of injury.
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