Blog Article/Post Caveat (Read First Please: Click the Link)
In the following I provide information on how our brains work when we are struck with the adrenal stress-conditioned chemical dump and some hints on how to train to handle it, to get back some semblance of sanity before it is too late. Some very critical points are provided that help us understand why some seemingly innocent (explained as to why we feel and react the way we do; not so innocent to the brain) events tend to send us off on a monkey run dangerous reactions.
The amygdala captures the prefrontal area, driving it in terms of the imperatives of dealing with the perceived threat/danger at hand. When the alarm triggers, we get the classic fight-flight-freeze response, which from a brain point of view means that the amygdala has set off the, “HPA axis (the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis) and the body gets a flood of stress hormones, mainly cortisol and adrenaline. There is a problem here, the amygdala often, more often than we like in these modern times, makes mistakes.
The amygdala gets data from sight and sound senses in a single neuron from the eye and ear - that is super-fast in brain time - it only receives a small fraction of the signals those senses receive (appropriate training can achieve success in how those signals are interpreted). All the rest of those signals go to other parts of the brain that take longer to analyze these inputs - and get a more accurate reading.
The amygdala, in contrast, gets a sloppy picture and has to react instantly. It makes mistakes, particularly in modern life, where the “dangers” are symbolic, not physical threats so we overreact in ways we tend to regret (note: the brain when confronted with symbolic dangers does not know the difference so reacts as if life or death) [Top modern triggers of the amygdala: condescension and lack of respect; unfair treatment; being unappreciated; feeling you are not listened to or heard; being held to unrealistic expectations]
In such circumstances humans tend to operate day-to-day in what amounts to a chronic, low-grade, amygdala hijack. Like being in a hyper-vigilant state of mind. (training is often about creating a mind-set and mind-state) Combating this state of mind is about two things: One, is self-awareness through knowledge, understanding and ongoing experiences; second, is through the act of paying attention, i.e., pay attention by noticing that you are in the midst of a hijack and to understand as long as you remain unaware you have not chance of getting back to emotional equilibrium and left prefrontal dominance until the hijack runs its course.
Steps include: Monitor what going on in your mind and brain, i.e., “I am really overreacting,” or “I’m really upset now,” or “I’m starting to get upset.” Notice familiar feelings that a hijack is on its way - like butterflies in your stomach, or whatever signals that might reveal you are about to have an episode. It is easier to short circuit the hijack in the earlier stages so it is best to recognize it and head it off at the bare beginning.
Additional Data:
First, realize you are in the amygdala’s clutches and all that entails. Second, realize if you don’t head it off that it can last for seconds to minutes to hours or even days and weeks. Remember, for some it is consider a normal state and can be seen as, “Always angry or always fearful.” There are more clinical effects of being in this hyper-vigilant state such as anxiety disorders, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.
Other ways to get out of the hijacked state of hyper-vigilance: Have intention to cool down when detecting the state; a cognitive approach of talking yourself out of the state; reason with yourself and challenge what you are telling yourself in the hijack; apply empathy, imagine yourself in that persons position; use meditation or relaxation to calm down; breathe a deep slow diaphragmatic way; practice the ways continuously and diligently because without regular practice they will not be available when the hijack hits.
Bibliography (Click the link)
No comments:
Post a Comment