Hysterical strength, also known as superhuman strength or adrenaline strength, refers to a phenomenon in which individuals under extreme stress or in life-threatening situations exhibit extraordinary physical strength beyond their usual capabilities. It is a term used to describe instances where people have been able to perform seemingly impossible feats of strength, such as lifting heavy objects or exerting tremendous force.
When faced with an immediate threat or danger, the body releases a surge of adrenaline and other stress hormones into the bloodstream. This physiological response, known as the fight-or-flight response, is an evolutionary mechanism that prepares the body to either confront the threat or flee from it. Adrenaline increases heart rate, blood flow, and oxygen supply, while also temporarily enhancing muscle strength and boosting overall physical performance.
Hysterical strength is often reported in situations where people find themselves in critical circumstances, such as during life-and-death emergencies or when they witness loved ones in danger. There have been accounts of individuals displaying remarkable feats of strength, such as lifting vehicles or moving heavy objects to rescue someone trapped underneath.
Alien: You’re telling me that in times of great distress humans have been known to suddenly gain the strength necessary to lift objects more than a dozen times their own weight?!
Human: Yeah, it’s called “hysterical strength” and it usually happens in life-or-death situations, like when someone gets stuck under a car or something and someone lifts the car to get them out. We can’t really test it though, ‘cause it only happens spontaneously.
Alien: Humans have the ability to tap into untold strength and power and you don’t even know how you do it?
Human: Pretty much, yeah. We think it has something to do with temporary analgesia, so we just don’t feel the pain we should when we pick up a 3000-pound car.
Alien: YOUR PAIN RESPONSE JUST SHUTS OFF?
Human: Yeah, it’s like an adrenaline thing? Do you not have that?
Alien: Fuck you and your entire species of tiny juggernauts.
