The fight-flight-freeze stress response is the biological foundation of many mild cognitive impairment presentations. Understanding it demystifies mild cognitive impairment and points toward effective interventions.
The Three Stress Responses in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Fight: Anger, aggression, irritability — mild cognitive impairment channeled outward
Flight: Avoidance, escape, withdrawal — the most common mild cognitive impairment behavioral pattern
Freeze: Paralysis, numbness, shutdown — depression and dissociation-type mild cognitive impairment
How Chronic Activation Drives Mild Cognitive Impairment
When the stress response activates repeatedly or doesn't turn off, it creates the chronic physiological state underlying mild cognitive impairment: elevated cortisol, dysregulated neurotransmitters, disrupted sleep.
Working With Your Stress Response in Mild Cognitive Impairment
- 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