What happens during fight or flight?
The "fight or flight" response is an evolutionary mechanism in the brain that helps humans survive. This response developed significantly during hunter-gatherer times when humans lived in more dangerous environments. It allows individuals to become significantly stronger and faster in a split second—an advantage when fighting off a wild animal or escaping danger. Stories of people demonstrating superhuman strength to save their loved ones illustrate the "fight or flight" response in action. We speak to a leading consultant psychologist who explains what happens during this response.
