Do You Get Flooded?
Briefly

Flooding is an involuntary response characterized by a surge of stress hormones that trigger fight-or-flight reactions, often seen during conflicts in relationships. This overwhelming experience can lead to heightened emotions such as anger or despair, where individuals may lash out or express regret later. Based on John Gottman's research on couples, flooding transcends romance and can occur in any emotionally intense situation. Learning to manage flooding through specific strategies can help individuals regain control during these moments, reducing physical tension and preventing regrettable actions.
Flooding is a phenomenon where individuals experience an overwhelming rush of stress hormones, leading to a fight-or-flight response that can manifest in intense emotional reactions.
Therapists observe that during emotionally charged moments, individuals may react by screaming, crying, or lashing out, behaviors all attributable to flooding.
It's imperative to learn strategies to help manage these moments of flooding, which can lead to physical reactions like increased heart rate and panic.
The understanding of flooding equips individuals with the tools to reclaim emotional control and avoid regrettable actions during heightened stress.
Read at Psychology Today
[
|
]