Katheryn Kiker

I am fascinated by the science of mental health and a lot of times clients find it extremely validating that the intensity of emotion they experience from day to day makes sense in our neurobiology.

So first off- what is the amygdala? The amygdala is an emotional processing hub in the center of our brain, essentially the ON button for the fight/flight/freeze response. “Amygdala hijack” is a term coined by Daniel Goleman in his profound book Emotional Intelligence back in 1995. And here’s the best way I have to explain it.

When we process information from our environment I conceptualize it as going to one of two paths:

1. The short route

2. The long route

The short route is where the amygdala takes the reins. And it’s shorter because it needs to be- it’s purpose is for us to DO SOMETHING NOW. It is an extremely emotional response, and not necessarily something we do on purpose because it’s wired for our survival. When I think short route I think the word “react.”

The long route is where the info goes to the amygdala but is not seized up- it is allowed to go to the pathways in the prefrontal cortex, allowing us to think through our decisions even if we are feeling a rather intense emotional response. When I think long route I think he word “respond.”

Where the hijacking comes in is when the short route becomes a habit. When we start to perceive threats in our environment that give us the feeling that we have to react instead of respond. This is is a tricky pattern to get out of because at the core of all of this is one of the most intense and compelling emotions that humans can experience- fear.

On every level, the way we experience the world and the way we feel makes a lot of sense. Being understanding toward ourselves can literally change our brain and allow us to think more clearly, letting us use the long route. Sometimes we just need a little hope and a little help.

I hope you are gentle with yourself today.