An amygdala hijack is a term used to describe a situation where a strong emotional response overpowers rational thought. It’s essentially when your emotions take control of your brain, often leading to impulsive or irrational behavior.
How Does it Occur?
- The Amygdala: This part of the brain is responsible for processing emotions, particularly fear and anger.
- Hijack: When a strong emotional stimulus triggers the amygdala, it can “hijack” the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for rational thought and decision-making.
- Result: This can lead to impulsive, exaggerated, or even violent reactions that are disproportionate to the situation.
What Are Common Triggers?
- Stressful situations
- Sudden threats or surprises
- Intense emotions like anger, fear, or excitement
What Can I Do?
- Recognize when you’re experiencing one
- Develop strategies to manage your emotions
- Improve your overall emotional well-being
James McKenna
James McKenna is a seasoned healthcare executive coach with a proven track record of optimizing organizational performance. Drawing on extensive experience working with executive, physician, and nursing teams at leading health systems nationwide, James brings a wealth of knowledge to his role as a healthcare leadership consultant.