Fight or Flight and Violence

Nearly every day we hear stories in the news about people whose livelihood or significant relationship has been threatened, and who have resorted to violence as a result of the threat. When a person is facing a change in life as they knew it, most often the emotions that arise are anger and an underlying fear. Thoughts like these run rampant through the individual's mind, triggering their fight-or-flight response: "I'll never get another job, and I'll end up homeless" or "No one else will ever want to be with me, and I'll end up lonely and dying alone." The anger and fear that accompany these thoughts can grip a person so tightly that they can't think through to a rational solution.

In the meantime, his or her body is surging with hormones, prepared to fight and defend. Unfortunately, this is the type of situation that all too often leads to violence. If you find yourself overcome with anger and fear over the loss or threatened loss of a job or a loved one, seek the support of someone you can talk with and who will listen to your feelings without judging. Don't let your fight-or-flight response determine the ultimate outcome of the situation.