Fight & Flight Syndrome

Let's understand the problem of Stress :

When ever we come across some danger an in-built protective mechanism of our body called the Stress Alert System is put on. In this there are a series of sympathetic & other reactions in the body to face the danger in a concerted way. The response brought about by this alert-system is called the Fight or Flight Response.

The Stress Alert System :

When the danger signal reaches our brain, then in a split second it is sent to the rest of our body through its various networks. The message goes to two channels :-

1. To the Voluntary Nervous System : This part of our nervous system directs our skeletal system to contract, we thus get the feeling of churning of legs etc. With about 1,030 separate skeletal muscles in our body - almost half our body weight, that's a lot of tension. Responses like clenching of fists etc are seen to face the threat, or the body gets ready to retreat.

2. To the Autonomic Nervous System : This part of our nervous system controls all the involuntary functions of our body. This system on it's part has two subdivisions. The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and the Para-sympathetic Nervous System (PNS), which are like the fire alarm and the calming down mechanism of the body respectively.

(a) The SNS commands release of various hormones in the body like the adrenaline, noradrenalin, glucocorticoids etc. through our various endocrine glands, like the pituitary & adrenal. Together these hormones increase our heartbeats & blood pressure at times by 100% (to increase the blood supply), breathing becomes faster (to increase the intake of oxygen), throat muscles and nostrils open wider, pupils dilate and eyes alertly stare. The hormones stop the secretion of saliva & mucus, and the process of digestion temporarily halts (conserving precious energy). Sugar is released from liver (for instant energy), subcutaneous fat is also released into the blood stream (for greater energy). More fat (cholesterol) is produced by the liver for fuel. Sweating increases thus decreasing the temperature of the body.

(b) The PNS calms, relaxes & slows down the body. When the SNS is activated then for obvious reasons the PNS is inhibited simultaneously. In other words the brain shuts down its primary calming mechanism to force you to remain alert & ready to face the threat.

What causes the 'problem' of stress?

Short doses of such responses has its own excitement value, it is in fact a blessing. It alone gives the kick to life, and helps bring about the memorable moments. If the danger is short-lived then the body quickly reverts back to its normal state through its PNS. But the problem comes when because of some reason or the other (this will be analyzed in our subsequent sections) the high level of stress-inducing hormones in the system continues to remain in the blood stream. The normal functioning of heart, blood pressure etc continues to be affected. It is only then that the various physical, psychological & behavioral problems come which could make life a hell - literally. It is this aspect of stress which has to be warded off. It is only the longer periods of stress that creates problems.