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Shock can be triggered by severe pain, fear of death, stress, and tension. When this occurs, the body releases a significant amount of adrenaline, causing a sudden constriction of the precapillaries in the skin, liver, intestine, and kidneys. The brain, heart, and lungs also receive an excessive amount of blood during this state. This leads to a centralization of blood circulation and a decline in health. This article will examine in detail how the body responds to shock and the protective reactions it employs.
How the body reacts to shock
During the initial stages of shock, a person feels intense agitation, which can cause their skin to turn pale and blood pressure to rise. Breathing and pulse rate may also increase. However, if the individual doesn’t receive medical attention within 40 minutes, their condition may worsen significantly.
In the second stage of shock, the person may experience apathy and lethargy. Additionally, the body begins to produce cold sweat, which can lead to a drop in body temperature.
What protective reactions does the body use in response to shock?
When our body encounters a shock, its intricate structure and biological cycles come into play, and various systems are activated to protect itself. In the following paragraphs, we will elaborate on the protective mechanisms that the body employs in such situations.
Yawning
Yawning is commonly associated with the transition to sleep or upon waking up, but it can also serve as a protective mechanism in response to shock, stress, or severe fatigue.
Yawning helps cool the brain and increase blood flow to the neck, face, and head through the powerful stretching of the jaw. The intake of cold air during yawning helps lower the temperature of internal fluids and the brain, allowing the body to function more efficiently within the optimal range of thermal comfort.
Memory loss
When a person experiences shock or emotional trauma, partial memory loss can sometimes occur as a protective reaction triggered by the body to safeguard the psyche. This is commonly observed in individuals who have undergone emotional or physical violence, military conflicts, or natural disasters.
Repression of negative emotions
As a response to shock and severe stress, the body may trigger a repression process that involves pushing negative feelings and thoughts out of consciousness. This process may also extend to positive thoughts being suppressed, and a person may become indifferent to everything around them. They may avoid social interaction and become emotionally detached.
Affect isolation
The term “affect isolation” refers to a situation where the body removes the emotional component of a traumatic experience for self-protection. However, the understanding of the severity of the situation remains intact.
Individuals who have undergone affect isolation may discuss their traumatic experience in a tone lacking emotion or even with a cheerful demeanor. Nonetheless, this does not necessarily indicate that the person has come to terms with the experience or managed its aftermath.
Regression
A person may undergo regression as a result of intense feelings of anxiety and shock, wherein they unconsciously revert to behaviors typical of earlier developmental stages. This phenomenon is thought to alleviate anxiety and absolve one of responsibility for their actions. However, those who frequently engage in regression are often viewed as psychologically immature and underdeveloped.
Auto-aggression
Autogression is recognized as the most harmful type of defense mechanism, typically displayed by children but occasionally seen in adults as well. This behavior involves self-inflicted physical harm, self-deprecating thoughts and actions, and the possible adoption of risky behaviors such as alcohol or drug use, or other dangerous pastimes.
Substitution
Substitution is a defense mechanism that enables a person to redirect their feelings of anger or frustration from one target to another in order to protect themselves. For instance, an individual who has been subjected to high levels of stress or shock at work may vent their emotions on a coworker or a child. Psychologists suggest that many people who exhibit rude behavior towards strangers in public settings may be employing this defense mechanism.
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