AMYGDALA HIJACK!

Amygdala hijack is the response to extreme psychological stress or danger. In response to a perceived threat, the thalamus triggers the amygdala to activate the fight or flight response. Amygdala hijack refers to situations wherein the amygdala hijacks and controls a person’s ability to respond rationally to a threat. Then it leads to the person reacting in an intense, emotional way that may be out of proportion to any situation.

The amygdala stimulates the adrenal glands to release the hormones adrenaline and cortisol into the bloodstream. Adrenaline causes dilation of the air passages. This causes increased oxygen supply in the muscles of the body. This hormone also causes contraction of the blood vessels following the body to redirect blood to the major muscle groups, including the lungs and heart.

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The adrenaline release also causes the pupils to dilate, which enhances a person’s vision. During the fight or flight response, there is also an increase in blood sugar levels in order to increase energy levels. All this takes place to allow a person to fight the danger or flee from it if necessary. If a person is in genuine danger, everything above makes sense to their situation. And this is when the fight or flight response is normal and adequate.

However, if the stress or danger is not real or not high and a person’s body still reacts by experiencing these fight or flight events, they may be experiencing amygdala hijack.

Some of the signs and symptoms of amygdala hijack include:

• An increased or rapid heartbeat
• sweaty palms
• goosebumps

During amygdala hijack, a person may react in a way that they may regret later. This may also include behaving in an aggressive, argumentative, or violent manner.

HOW TO PREVENT THIS?

 Take a break and walk away from what has triggered this response. It is good for people to try and understand how their bodies may react to stressful events. This could also mean thinking about previous events of amygdala hijack in order to recognize what has triggered the response.

If a person already has stress or anxiety, it may impact their ability to normally respond to stressful situations.

If they feel stress or anxiety on a regular basis that cannot be handled, they should seek medical help.

Symptoms of stress and anxiety are

• excessive worrying
• feeling of uneasiness
• tension
• headaches
• body pains
• increased blood pressure
• difficulty in sleeping 

Stress is a response to external issues, and it usually goes away as the issues are resolved.  Anyhow, anxiety is a response to stress. A person with anxiety regularly experiences feelings of apprehension or dread that may not go away. And these feelings can interfere with their daily life. It is possible that anxiety may arise even without the presence of a stressful situation. In such cases, a person must seek help medical help.