Flight or Fight Response

Definition

The flight or fight response is an automatic physiological reaction to an event perceived as stressful or frightening. It prepares the body either to confront or flee from potential harm.

Analogy

Imagine you're walking through a forest when suddenly you see a bear. Your heart starts racing, your muscles tense up - this is your body's flight-or-fight response kicking in, preparing you either to run away quickly (flight) or stand your ground and fight off the bear (fight).

Related terms

Sympathetic Nervous System: Part of the autonomic nervous system that triggers the flight-or-fight response when danger is perceived.

Adrenaline/Epinephrine: A hormone released into the bloodstream in response to physical or mental stress (like seeing a bear). It increases heart rate, muscle strength, blood pressure, and sugar metabolism - all part of preparing for 'fight' or 'flight'.

Stressors: Anything (physical or psychological) that produces stress (or is perceived as stressful).