Conflict in the workplace is a growing problem and more and more of my clients are requesting programs on handling angry people, angry patients, angry guests, etc. The question I get most often after one of these presentations is, “Is it possible that when I’m really angry, my brain takes over? Because there are times when I feel like I can’t control my own anger.” .”
The answer is yes, the brain can be hijacked. Emotions can take over sensitivity when we get really angry or someone triggers one of our “hot spots.”
The cerebral cortex is the thinking part of the brain where logic and judgment reside. The emotional center of the brain is the limbic system, which is more primitive than the cerebral cortex.
So where do you think anger resides in the brain? If you have it. When anger is experienced or expressed, it comes primarily from the limbic center of the brain.
Now let me introduce you to the amygdala, which is part of the limbic system. The amygdala is like a repository for emotional memories and acts as our brain’s fire alarm. The amygdala can only react based on previously stored patterns.
When information enters our brain, the thalamus acts like a traffic cop, keeping signals moving. In a normal situation, the thalamus directs the signal to the cerebral cortex for logical processing. If the incoming information triggers a potential threat or emotional charge, the amygdala can override the cortex and BOOM: you have an “amygdala hijack.”
During an amygdala hijack, a flood of hormones and peptides are released, causing a physical or emotional reaction. A surge of energy follows, preparing the person for the “Fight or Flight Response,” also called the “Fight, Flight, or Freeze Response.” This hyperarousal or acute stress response was first described by Walter Bradford Cannon. The amygdala kicks in without any cognitive thought like evaluating, judging, or thinking; which means there is no consideration for consequences.
Now that you know what an amygdala hijack looks like inside the brain, here’s what it looks like on the outside:
The person is often out of control and will say and do things that they later regret.
This state lasts an average of 20 minutes.
Although adrenaline is cleared from the body fairly quickly, the longest lasting hormones and their effect can last several hours or even a couple of days.
How to deal with someone experiencing amygdala hijacking:
During the time of an amygdala hijack, avoid any attempt to resolve a situation or discuss a solution. There is little or no ability to trust intelligence or reasoning. It is best to let the person vent and wait for their thoughts to move from the emotional area to the thinking area of the brain.
What can I do if I am a victim of Amygdala Hijacking?
After the kidnapping, it’s important to spend time recognizing and identifying what your triggers are. I have an exercise where I have my workshop participants identify 2-3 of their responses to anger. As we walk around the room and share, attendees become aware of how similar or completely different people react to anger. By knowing what triggers our “hot spots,” we create an emotional awareness that allows us to consciously react differently. This may take a bit of time, but it can be done.
Anger can escalate quickly, even when we think we are de-escalating. By understanding the different responses to anger, we can prevent an emotional tug of war. Self-awareness is the key to managing our own anger and it is also the key to reducing anger in others.
How this knowledge helps you and others stay safe in the workplace
Whether it’s a coworker involved in a personality conflict, an angry boss punching an employee, co-workers under pressure to meet deadlines, or an angry customer, most of us have never been taught how. calm down another angry person.
By understanding how the brain sometimes acts like a bully, by being aware of what triggers our hot buttons, and by using de-escalation techniques, most “amygdala hijacks” can be resolved without escalating violence.
