The Effects of Stress

Learn about the effects of stress on your body and mind ...

effects of stress

Within the forebrain, in an area of deep brain structures, sits the limbic system. It is often described as the brain’s emotional control center, regulating fear, anger, pleasure, sadness – literally all emotions. It also happens to be the brain area that deals with stress.

If you experience a direct threat, your autonomic nervous system activates a complex process designed to keep you safe, a process that involves stress hormones, the adrenal glands, and the bloodstream.

The adrenal glands located on top of your kidneys release a chemical called cortisol, which the blood carries to the brain. Cortisol is the agent that tells your body that danger in imminent, and you are either going to have to flee or fight – the fight-or-flight response.

Hormones are responsible for activating your adrenal glands, and also for triggering the physiological processes for calming or relaxing your body – or bringing it back to homeostasis. The fight-or-flight response is a natural helper in dealing with acute, sudden stress, but when an individual’s body stays in this heightened state, the effects are injurious – the natural helper becomes the enemy.

The cortisol pump

For example, once danger passes, hormones tell your autonomic nervous system to again kick in, turning off the release of chemicals responsible for fight-or-flight. In situations of continual stress, however, stress hormones get stuck in a “locked on” position. This keeps chemicals such as cortisol pumping into the brain, damaging and killing brain cells.

Cortisol targets one limbic brain structure in particular, a structure called the hippocampus (see Brain Structure). The cells of this unique structure, shaped and therefore named after a sea horse, are charged with the mission to enable learning and memory. That’s why individuals in the course of trauma or high stress situations report being unable to think or become confused. Large amounts of cortisol impede the ability to draw on long-term memories and to think clearly.

The adrenaline pump

And there are other ramifications on the body for this heightened state of activation. The adrenal glands also release hormones such as adrenaline that increase heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.

In situations warranting a normal response to stress, increased adrenaline moves blood and oxygen quickly to the brain, and to muscles needed for fighting or fleeing. It also causes glucose and fatty acids to get dumped in large amounts into the blood.

But constant high volumes of hormones, such as adrenaline, and their effects negatively impact the body, straining the cardiovascular system and suppressing the immune system.

The effects of stress on your body and mind

Researchers and scientists now draw a high correlation between chronic stress and a number of illnesses and serious health conditions. By weakening the immune system, stress increases the possibilities for illness and disease. Memory cells are destroyed, and fat deposits accumulate at the waist rather than in the hips and buttocks. An individual’s risk of heart disease, cancer, obesity and diabetes rises.

Common Signs of Stress

  • Frequent illnesses, such as colds, sore throats, infections, and viruses
  • Problems swallowing
  • Outburst of anger, frustration, and aggressive hostility
  • Rapid mood swings
  • Problems working or being efficient at work
  • Social withdrawal, isolation, signs of loneliness
  • A lack of interest in personal hygiene
  • Constant forgetfulness, trouble remembering
  • Difficulty learning new information
  • Problems with sleep, nightmares, wakefulness
  • Rashes, itches, unexplained allergy attacks
  • Frequent headaches
  • Problems with speech, such as stuttering or an inability to talk
  • Excessive suspiciousness
  • Changes in appetite
  • Bowel changes, such as diarrhea or constipation
  • Chest pains

Stress also significantly affects mental health. Depression is highly correlated with stress, as well as increases in substance abuse and addiction. Irritability rises as stress increases, and moods fluctuate. This places pressure on relationships, marriages, and families.

Additionally, those who live within high stress environments and situations will often show the symptoms of stress behaviorally. This includes displaying crying spells, angry outbursts, undereating, and overeating. Behavioral manifestations of stress are some of the first signs that individuals, their family members, and friends should notice, and identify as problematic.

If you desire to help others learn how to cope with and manage stress so that it doesn’t affect their physical or mental health, consider a career as a mental health counselor or therapist.

A degree in counseling is required to practice in most states, as well as state licensing. For some careers, national certification is also required.

For more information, contact schools that have degree programs in the field of Mental Health counseling, or degree programs in a related psychology field.