The Cannon-Bard theory of emotion proposed the concept of the fight or flight response. The key query is: What does your instinct inform you when faced with a potentially dangerous scenario?
The Cannon-Bard theory states that the lower a part of the brain, also called the thalamus, controls the experience of emotions. At the identical time, the upper a part of the brain, also called the cortex, controls the expression of emotions. These two parts of the brain are thought to reply concurrently. This theory was proposed by Walter B. Cannon and Philip Bard within the Nineteen Twenties and early Thirties. It can also be called the “fight or flight” response.
Stress starts in your brain and your senses communicate potential dangers to it. For example, you could see a automotive coming towards you or suddenly hear a loud noise. The Cannon-Bard theory states that your amygdala processes what you see and listen to and transmits possible dangers to the hypothalamus.
Your amygdala processes emotions. When it communicates potential danger, your brain responds to emphasize by telling you to either fight the danger or run away.
Once your amygdala triggers a distress signal, your hypothalamus alerts your sympathetic nervous system by sending signals to your adrenal glands. Adrenaline begins pumping through your veins, which quickly results in:
- Faster heartbeat
- Higher pulse rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Faster respiration
- Heightened senses
- alertness
Each of those physiological reactions occurs so quickly that you could not notice it at first. Instead, you act instinctively. Hundreds of years ago, our instincts kept us protected. These days we face fewer real dangers, but something can still trigger our fight or flight response.
The fight or flight response adapts to your environment. Hundreds of years ago, you could have been afraid of untamed animals threatening to attack you. Instead of spending time making a logical decision based in your scenario, your brain decided for you: run or stay and fight.
In today's world, the fight-or-flight response can occur in less dangerous situations. For example, your boss at work asks you to return to his office. You immediately think something is flawed, and that stimulates your glands to release adrenaline. You turn into defensive and should feel the necessity to go into the office alert and able to fight.
Alternatively, past trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder can trigger a fight or flight response. Your memories are sometimes based in your senses. You remember what you saw, felt and heard at any given time. When you see or hear something that reminds you of a traumatic experience, your brain can trigger the fight or flight response.
This is finished for self-preservation reasons, to guard you from the identical trauma. Fortunately, repeated trauma is unlikely to occur. Therefore, it’s worthwhile to concentrate on calming down in order that stress doesn't proceed to interfere together with your day.
Relaxation techniques. When the fight-or-flight theory was recommend, concerns were raised in regards to the period of time your body spends under stress. The Cannon-Bard theory states that in the event you feel the symptoms of fight or flight, it’s best to take a minute to calm yourself.
Train your mind. Over time, you possibly can train your brain to react less eagerly when danger shouldn’t be around.
Mental stress. Fight or flight is great since it is an innate survival mechanism. However, being always exposed to “threats” that cause you stress can result in poor health outcomes. Stress can turn into chronic if not treated properly.
Problems with the nervous system. When your body focuses its energy on responding to threats, your nervous system becomes affected. This could make you’re feeling unstable and result in chronic health problems.
If you listen to your subconscious response to threatening situations, you possibly can learn quite a bit. If your stress levels stay too high, it's an indication that your sympathetic and parasympathetic systems aren't working together. You can reach out to knowledgeable mental health provider to learn the way to higher manage stress.