Fight, Flight or Freeze Response

When we perceive danger, we protect ourselves by  fighting, running away or freezing.

You prepare for fighting against danger, trying to run away from the danger or your body freezes.

As a result of these responses, you will notice unusual sensations in all parts of your body, such as sweaty hands, a racing heart, and/or you may feel numb in some of the body parts. 

This reaction is an instinctive part of human survival.

These reactions may make you feel even more nervous or cause confusion.

But these reactions are the body’s way of raising awareness of danger and preparing to protect itself.

These are not meant to confuse us further.

When your body reacts differently, it is a sign that you are protecting yourself.

This is especially important to remember if you have experienced or experience recurrent panic attacks.

When you have a panic attack, you feel like you don’t have enough air, you feel like you can’t breathe, and you feel terrified that you might pass out.

Then, in an effort to get oxygen, you breathe in again and again, and your breathing becomes significantly faster.

However, breathing faster does not change the amount of oxygen.

It only reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood.

Because it does not get you oxygen, it will make your mind more confused.

It is a tremendous fear that is caused by a mind trap.

Then, how do we deal with the panic?

It is important to remember that these reactions are stress responses to protect yourself. They are not life threatening.

As the name implies, your mind panics and you feel that way.

But let’s try to tell yourself over and over again that these are not dangerous symptoms but the signs to protect yourself.

And instead of breathing rapidly, try to engage in deep breathing while imagining that you are taking ample amount of oxygen from outside.

Calming your body and mind keeps you from further panic.