The fight-flight-freeze stress response is the biological foundation of many coronavirus disease 2019 presentations. Understanding it demystifies coronavirus disease 2019 and points toward effective interventions.
The Three Stress Responses in Coronavirus Disease 2019
Fight: Anger, aggression, irritability — coronavirus disease 2019 channeled outward
Flight: Avoidance, escape, withdrawal — the most common coronavirus disease 2019 behavioral pattern
Freeze: Paralysis, numbness, shutdown — depression and dissociation-type coronavirus disease 2019
How Chronic Activation Drives Coronavirus Disease 2019
When the stress response activates repeatedly or doesn't turn off, it creates the chronic physiological state underlying coronavirus disease 2019: elevated cortisol, dysregulated neurotransmitters, disrupted sleep.
Working With Your Stress Response in Coronavirus Disease 2019
- Name it: 'My nervous system is in fight/flight/freeze right now'
- Move: Physical movement discharges the mobilization energy of fight/flight
- Breathe: Activates the off-switch for the stress response
- Connect: Safe social engagement signals to the nervous system that the threat has passed