The signs of emotional hijacking (DW#464)
As we mentioned yesterday, an emotional hijack or flooding is an immediate and overwhelming emotional response out of proportion to what triggered the response. Flooding happens because the triggering event has triggered a more significant emotional threat.
The reason we do not behave rationally when we are flooded is because when the alarm system of the brain (the amgydala) perceives a threat, it sparks the brain into self-protective "fight or flight" survival mode with a stress hormone, epinephrine.
In a fight, flight or freeze mode, the thinking component of our brain is shut down. We simply cannot think effectively and usually cannot speak with clarity or insight.
So how do we know that we are flooded? Experts explain that there are three hallmarks of emotional flooding:
- A strong emotional reaction out of proportion to the stimulus or trigger
- A sudden onset – we are often blindsided and cannot understand where this strong reaction is coming from
- Once the flooding or hijack is over, we are often regretful of our reaction and realize that the reaction was inappropriate and out of proportion. (Note: we may try to cover this self realization and regret by going into blaming mode)
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