Flight and Fight
When we are faced
with any challenge our bodies produce substances that raise
our anxiety levels to help us meet the challenge. It is known
as the "Flight or Fight" response. This is generally
how it happens.
A situation is perceived
as dangerous - your brain tells the adrenal glands (located
on the top of your kidneys) to release adrenalin into your blood
vessels. The adrenalin is then carried though your body and
reaches your heart, lungs , muscles etc producing the changes
that your body needs to react.
What can happen then,
as an example, is that your muscles need more oxygen, to either
run or fight, so your breathing becomes quicker and deeper to
enable you to take it in. The bloodstream carries the oxygen
to where it needs to be. To enable this to be done quickly the
blood vessels in the relevant areas dilate in order to let the
blood in resulting in the heart beating faster to pump
it through.In areas where the oxygen is not need, such as the
digestive system, the blood vessels contract.
Recognise any of
the symptoms?
- Breathing getting
quicker,
- Heart beating
faster,
- "Butterflies"
in the tummy,
- Not being able
to get enough air,
This is all well
and good if the situation you are reacting to is dangerous,
your body is on "red alert" ready and able to react.
You are, for example, able to jump out of the way of the oncoming
the car. When appropiate actions are taken, the chemical changes
produced by the reaction are used up and the body returns to
normal. However when neither response is appropriate, such as
a visit to the dentist, the biochemical changes have already
taken place. The body is aroused and requires much more time
to return to normal.
Generally if you
experience a lot of stress you are living in a state of constant
readiness to respond to flight or fight. You are effectively
"running on overdrive"
Possible symptoms
of the Flight and Fight response
- Headaches, dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth, difficulty
swallowing
- Aching neck,
backache
- Rapid breathing
- Palpitations,
tight chest
- Nausea, indigestion
- Frequent need
to visit the toilet
- Excessive sweating
Fortunately we are
able to train our bodies to counteract the anxiety symptoms
by learing to relax. It is not possible to be anxious and relaxed
at the same time so by being able to relax it is possible to
control anxiety.
So how can I relax?
- Relaxation Excercises
- Breathing techniques
- Relaxation
tapes
- Hypnosis
- Meditation
- Relative Analgesia
(Inhalation Sedation)
- Sedation
- Alternative
therapies
Can anyone use these
techniques?
Relaxation techniques
can be used by anyone. Normal care should be exercised using
alternatve therapies. Your dentist will advise you on the use
of Relative Analgesia and Sedation. Always consult a fully qualified
professional if you choose to explore hypnosis.
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