Brain's action to a reaction- The Stress

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Stress can be defined as a natural reaction- feeling of emotional or physical tension that triggers biological responses. It can happen due to several factors such as family responsibilities, health concerns or managing a long-term illness. But money and work are the leading cause of stress. Also, can be the result of the short-term event — arguing with a loved one, work pressure etc. Besides It can also occur due to recurring conditions, such as managing a long-term illness or a demanding job. Stress caused by recurring conditions last over a long period referred to as “chronic” or “toxic” stress. About all stress can bring physiological reactions, but chronic stress is the one which inflicts maximum damage to the functioning of the body and the brain. Surprisingly, stress can be beneficial too, but when it comes to chronic stress, it is usually harmful, causing long-term damage, including memory and several other brain functions. It is also associated with multiple chronic diseases of the brain and heart.

Types of Stress

Normal Stress- It is also known as "eustress" meaning beneficial stress and occurs in a minimal amount that passes quickly. This kind of stress helps us in boosting our energy which may help in getting things done. It helps in increasing the level of focus and improves performance. For example, an athlete with stress before the start can help to concentrate and simultaneously improve their performance.

Distress – This kind of stress is a more severe one which causes significant disruption, but occurs only for a short period. The effects are temporary, and the individual typically returns to the normal state. For example, passengers that suffer from minor injuries in a car crash.

Traumatic Stress – It occurs when an individual goes through a fierce event that alters one's beliefs and assumptions. An affected individual takes a long period to recover but causes a forever change in a person. For example, a natural disaster or a diagnosis of the major-health issue to oneself or a loved one.

Acute Stress – It is the most common form that occurs due to the demands and pressures of the recent past and near future. A small dose of such stress can be thrilling, but too much can cause exhaustion. For example, A fast climb up of a rock or skiing through a challenging route can be exciting but may become exhausting and tiring later.

Chronic Stress – This is where the main problem begins and a cause of many stress-related diseases. Chronic stress occurs when a person meets a miserable situation and cannot find a way out of it over a long period. Ultimately, the person loses hope and stops looking for a solution. However, some of these stresses may be the result of traumatic experiences in early childhood which may become internalized and remain present throughout life. The worst of all, people often get used to it and forget even if it is there. Since it depletes both physical and mental resources through long-term suffering, therefore chronic stresses are hard to treat and may need long-term medical treatment and stress management. An example includes a career goal stress, poverty or a dysfunctional family situation.

How a brain acts when we take the stress?

When we experience a stressful event, the amygdala- a part of the brain responsible for emotional processing, starts sending a distress signal to the hypothalamus- another part of the brain located at the base, responsible for some of the crucial role such as releasing hormones and regulating the body temperature (hypothalamus acts similar to a command centre, communicating with rest of the body through the nervous system). This event leads to the release of a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol plays multiple roles which include restoring balance to the body after a stressful event, regulating blood sugar levels and has functions related to the hippocampus- acts similar to a hard drive where memories are stored and processed. Once the stressful event is over, cortisol levels come down, and the body returns to stasis. Just a quick note, the hormone is perfectly normal and healthy. The real problem begins when the level buildup in the brain, that can cause long-term effects and some serious health problems. Of all the stresses, chronic stress is the one that causes the damage and forces the body to make more cortisol beyond the normal.

The damages associated with chronic stress to a human brain:

1. Impairs a brain’s ability and functionality, such as disrupting synapse regulation.

2. Can kill brain cells.

3. Reduce the size of the brain (prefrontal cortex - the area of the brain responsible for memory and learning).

4. Increases the size of the amygdala of the brain, making it more receptive to stress.

5. Can create a domino effect (constant state of fight-or-flight mode).

6. More vulnerable to mood and anxiety disorders.

The damages associated with chronic stress to a human body:

1. Increased risk of heart disease

2. High blood pressure

3. Diabetes

4. Improper functioning of digestive system, excretory and reproductive structures

5. Impairs immune system

6. Exacerbate existing illnesses.