Fight or Flight

• What is the fight-or-flight response?

  A physiological reaction to perceived threats that prepares the body for action
• Why does time seem to slow down during a fight-or-flight response?

  Because the body becomes hyper-alert and focused on the threat
• What physiological changes occur during the fight-or-flight response?

  Increased heart rate and breathing rate, and muscle tension
• How does chronic stress differ from acute stress?

  Chronic stress is ongoing, while acute stress is short-term
• What triggers the fight-or-flight response in modern life?

  Worries like bills, meetings, or upcoming exams
• What is the process of the fight-or-flight response?

  1. Recognize the threat
  2. Enter a stress response
  3. Hypothalamus activates the sympathetic nervous system
  4. Pituitary gland triggers the endocrine system
  5. Adrenal glands release adrenaline and noradrenaline
• What is the role of the hypothalamus in the stress response?

  It activates the sympathetic nervous system and the endocrine system
• What hormones are released during the fight-or-flight response?

  Adrenaline and noradrenaline
• How does adrenaline affect the body during stress?

  It increases blood flow to the brain and muscles while decreasing blood flow to non-essential systems
• What are some physical effects of chronic stress?

  High blood pressure, anxiety, and increased risk of heart disease
• What are the potential mental health impacts of chronic stress?

  • Increased risk of depression
  • Low resistance to disease
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Accelerated aging
• What alternative response do women have to stress according to Taylor in 2000?

  Women tend to "tend and befriend" rather than fight or run
• What are some effective strategies to manage stress?

  • Deep and slow breathing
  • Mindfulness practices
  • Regular exercise
  • Listening to relaxing music
  • Getting adequate sleep
  • Eating healthy foods
  • Talking to friends or family
• Why is it important to talk to someone when feeling stressed?

  Social connections help us deal with stress effectively
• What is the HPA axis?

  The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis involved in the stress response
• What is the effect of focusing on breathing during stress?

  It can decrease heart rate and counteract stress effects
• How does the body prioritize blood flow during the fight-or-flight response?

  Blood flow is increased to the brain and muscles while decreased to non-critical systems
• What is a common symptom of the fight-or-flight response?

  Increased heart rate
• What is the significance of the sympathetic adrenal medulla pathway?

  It triggers the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline
• How can mindfulness help with stress management?

  It helps to focus the mind and reduce anxiety
• What is a potential consequence of chronic stress on the immune system?

  Suppression of the immune system
• How does chronic stress relate to heart disease?

  Chronic stress can increase the risk of heart disease
• What role does social connection play in managing stress?

  Social connections can improve coping mechanisms and reduce stress