Phases of the Fight or Flight Response

When an animal is startled or frightened, it triggers a fight or flight response in the animal. This ingrained survival mechanism is found in humans as well. Since the human brain is more complex, we are able to take this instant brain response and determine if we should fight or leave. Other animals do not have a choice; they will respond based on their ingrained survival skills to either fight or leave. There are three specific phases of this response.

Why Do Animals "Fight or Fly"?

• Animals, including humans, use the fight or flight response to defend themselves or their offspring. When an animal becomes startled or feels threatened, it will decide in a split second what it has to do to guarantee its survival. Timid animals, such as rabbits, will run away if they are able. Aggressive animals, such as the black bear, will attack the perceived enemy. Animals use this reflex to aid in survival.

Alarm Stage

• The alarm stage is the immediate realization that someone or something is a threat. At this point, the central nervous system and hormones take over the body. A surge of cortisol and adrenaline passes through the body, releasing instant energy. The animal uses these hormonal surges to react to the danger. Often, humans have reported limited memory of actions during this stage of fight or flight reactions, due to the hormones controlling the actions of the person.

Resistance Stage

• The resistance stage finds the body passing through homeostasis, or a regulation of body functions. The body begins to return to normal functions. Hormone levels dip and the central nervous system calms down. The body enters into a stage of recovery and cell renewal. For example, when a rabbit is startled, it will run away if it can, then stop to rest. It is in the resistance stage when it is resting. All animals need to rest during the resistance stage, lest they experience the third stage of flight or fight.

Exhaustion Stage

• The exhaustion stage occurs when the source of stress does not go away. The central nervous system and the endocrine system use all the body’s energy reserve resulting in a slower reaction or even an inability to react. If this stage is continued for a length of time, damage will happen to nerve cells in the tissues and organs. The hippocampus area of the brain can be greatly affected. Memory and thinking skills decline when the hippocampus experiences . Utilizing relaxation techniques during the resistance stage is the best way to avoid the exhaustion stage.