Psychology
Anger: when it becomes a problem and how to manage it
Anger is a normal emotion. It becomes a problem when it is frequent, intense or harmful — and venting it tends to make it worse, not better.
27 Sept 20269 min read
Fight-or-flight response
Also known as Fight or flight, Stress response, Fight, flight or freeze, Acute stress response
The body's automatic alarm reaction to danger: adrenaline makes the heart race, breathing speed up and muscles tense, ready to fight or run. It can also fire when there is no real danger.
In Psychology
When the brain senses a threat, the signals the hypothalamus, which switches on the sympathetic nervous system. The adrenal glands release adrenaline within moments, followed by . This happens so fast that it can start before you have consciously worked out what you saw.
What you feel
- A pounding heart or
- Fast breathing, or feeling you cannot get enough air
- Tense, shaky muscles and sweating
- Dry mouth, butterflies, or an urgent need for the toilet
- Sharpened senses and a mind locked onto the threat
The same alarm fires for an exam, an argument or a worrying thought. In a , it goes off fully with no danger present — frightening, but not harmful in itself. Slow breathing with a longer out-breath helps switch on the body's calming system.
Where this comes up
Psychology
Borderline personality disorder (emotionally unstable personality disorder)
BPD causes intense, fast-changing emotions, fear of abandonment and self-harm. It is treatable with specialist therapy, and most people improve over time.
27 Sept 20268 min read
Psychology
Exam stress: coping with Matric, FSc, MDCAT and entry tests
Some exam nerves help; panic, sleepless nights and study pills do not. Study methods that work, sleep and food before exams, and how parents can help.
27 Sept 20268 min read
Psychology
Mindfulness and meditation: what the evidence says
Mindfulness helps prevent depression coming back and can ease stress modestly. What it is, what the research shows, a three-minute exercise, and its limits.
27 Sept 20268 min read
Related terms
- AmygdalaAmygdalae, Amygdala hijackA small, almond-shaped structure deep inside each side of the brain that processes emotions, especially fear, and helps trigger the body's alarm response to threats.
- CortisolStress hormone, HydrocortisoneA steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands that helps the body respond to stress and regulates blood sugar, metabolism and inflammation. Levels peak in the morning and fall at night.
- Panic attackPanic attacks, Ghabrahat ka dauraA sudden rush of intense fear with strong physical symptoms such as a racing heart, breathlessness and shaking. It peaks within minutes and, although frightening, is not dangerous.
- HypervigilanceHyperarousal, Always on edgeBeing constantly on guard and scanning for danger even when safe — jumpy, easily startled and unable to relax. It is a common part of PTSD and anxiety.