Everyone experiences anxiety sometimes, whether that is before an important job interview, an exam or in response to worries about meeting new people, germs or something bad happening to those we love. Anxiety is a self-protective system designed to help us survive. In our brain, an area called the amygdala sets off an alarm system in response to perceived danger. Our amygdala sends messages around our body to prepare; for example, we might get a racing heart as it pumps oxygen to our big muscles groups. This system is needed if we might walk in front of a fast car, or if we are being chased by a tiger. In that way anxiety is our brain's way of telling us we are in danger, and trying to help us! The way our bodies and minds respond to anxiety can vary widely. These responses are known as the Fight, Flight, Freeze or Flop response. Understanding the symptoms of anxiety can help you to understand your child's reactions, and understand how to help them.
The Fight Anxiety Response
The fight response is the body's way of preparing to confront a threat head-on. This reaction involves a surge of adrenaline, increased heart rate, and heightened alertness, all of which prepare us to defend ourselves.
Signs of the Fight Response:
Clenched fists or jaw
A feeling of anger or irritability
A desire to argue or physically confront the source of anxiety
A sensation of being on edge or hyper-alert
While the fight response can be useful in situations where immediate action is necessary, it can also be detrimental if overused, leading to unnecessary conflicts or aggressive behaviour.
The Flight Anxiety Response
The flight response is the body's instinct to avoid danger by running away or avoiding the threat. This response also involves adrenaline and an increase in heart rate, but instead of preparing to fight, the body gears up to escape.
Signs of the Flight Response:
A strong urge to leave the situation or avoid it altogether
Rapid heartbeat and shallow breathing
Sweating and trembling
Restlessness or fidgeting
Flight can be a helpful response when we need to remove ourselves from harmful situations, but over time, avoidance can lead to missed opportunities and increase anxiety over time, as we never learn that nothing bad happens, and that we can cope.
The Freeze Anxiety Response
The freeze response occurs when the body decides that neither fight nor flight is viable, causing a person to become stuck or frozen. This reaction can be likened to a deer in headlights, where the body temporarily shuts down as a protective measure.
Signs of the Freeze Response:
Feeling stuck or unable to move
Numbness or a sense of detachment from the environment
Difficulty speaking or thinking clearly
A sense of time slowing down
While freezing can sometimes protect us in dangerous situations by making us less noticeable, it can also lead to feelings of helplessness and frustration when we're unable to take action.
The Flop Anxiety Response
Less well-known than the other three, the flop response is characterised by a complete submission or collapse in response to a threat. This is often seen in prey animals and can be a way to avoid further harm by appearing non-threatening.
Signs of the Flop Response:
Complete physical collapse
Feeling of submission or giving up
Difficulty maintaining muscle control
Emotional numbness or disconnection
The flop response can be a last-resort survival mechanism, but in humans, it can manifest as a profound sense of powerlessness or a tendency to submit in situations where assertiveness is needed.
The fight, flight, freeze, and flop responses are deeply ingrained in our biology, designed to protect us from harm. By understanding these reactions, we can develop strategies to manage them and reduce their impact on our lives. Be kind to yourself, these responses are natural and part of our evolutionary heritage. If anxiety is having a significant impact on your life and you would like support, please reach out to our team at The Lotus Psychology Practice.
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