Mon Sep 23 23:24:12 UTC 2024: ## Facing Stress Head-On: A Fourth Way to Cope

**London, UK -** While diagnoses of conditions like ADHD and autism in adulthood can provide relief, they often raise as many questions as they answer. But there’s another challenge we all face: stress. While the instinctive human reactions to stress – aggression, flight, or freezing – may seem natural, they can be detrimental. According to social psychologist Dr. Saadi Lahlou, a more effective and rewarding approach lies in tackling the root cause of the stress itself.

Dr. Lahlou, Chair in Social Psychology at the London School of Economics and Political Science, draws on his experience during a massive power outage in France in 1999. He recounts how, despite the initial frustration and anger of many, one man, instead of succumbing to his emotions, chose to proactively organize rescue efforts, eventually providing relief for himself and others. This example illustrates that even under extreme duress, humans possess the capacity to rise above their immediate reactions and choose a more constructive path.

Dr. Lahlou argues that our bodies are naturally primed for action in the face of stress, but this preparation can be wasted if we fall into a cycle of inaction. He emphasizes that the best approach is to utilize this prepared mental and physical state to address the source of the stress. This not only potentially solves the problem, but also provides a sense of psychological relief, similar to that achieved through aggression. The key lies in mobilizing our “combat mode” resources into attention, thinking, and action, rather than succumbing to flight, fight, or freeze.

“It’s a double bonus,” Dr. Lahlou explains. “It solves the problem externally, and internally, it helps you achieve a better sense of balance.”

While overcoming ingrained tendencies may be difficult, seeking support from loved ones, professionals, and even proactive preparation can make the journey smoother. Dr. Lahlou ultimately encourages individuals to remember the “fourth way” – to confront stress head-on and discover the empowering path that emerges when we choose to try.

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