During which stage of stress response does the body go into high alert?

The body goes into high alert during the alarm stage of the stress response. This stage is characterized by the immediate physiological reactions that occur when an individual first perceives a stressor. The body recognizes the threat and activates the “fight or flight” response, which involves the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. This response prepares the body to either confront the danger or flee from it, leading to increased heart rate, heightened senses, and a burst of energy.

Understanding this stage is crucial because it sets the foundation for how we react to stressors, and if the situation persists, the body then moves into subsequent stages, such as resistance and possibly exhaustion, where different responses and adaptations occur. The alarm stage is essential as it signals the beginning of the body's stress response mechanisms.