Since 1936, scientists have explored the effects that stress has on the human body. Within several decades, scientists have concluded that constant exposure to stress can affect and change your physical, mental, and emotional health. In the early years of research, scientists believed that stress has major effects on the brain and that it leads to different responses in cognition and memory. Scientists are now positive that this theory is entirely true, and that stress can cause structural damage to the brain and the nervous system.
The physical changes from stress are highly dangerous because stress can weaken the immune system and cause muscle tension, leading to constant bodily pain. As the immune system weakens, the white blood cell count will decrease making it harder for the body to defend itself against illnesses. Long-term stress has been connected to an increase in blood pressure, cholesterol (essential for cell function), and triglycerides (fat stored in the body and used for energy), which could lead to a heart attack, stroke, and heart disease. Chronic stress can also modify DNA with epigenetic mechanisms where it changes the DNA “on top” instead of affecting the genes themselves. Stressful situations can release cortisol, a stress response chemical, and trigger epigenetic modifications. Methylation is a common epigenetic change from stress. Methylation controls genes by turning them on or off and regulating gene expression. The chemical has the potential to silence the gene expression completely, which can lead to major body and mental health problems.
While it’s important to look after our mental health, chronic stress makes that difficult. Chronic stress can lead to a multitude of mental health problems. Anxiety, depression, insomnia, mood swings, and memory loss are all effects of stress. Scientists and researchers have found that too much cortisol can impair brain function, which can result in memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or even disrupt the process of creating memories. Chronic stress has a considerable change in brain chemistry. Neurotransmitters like serotonin become imbalanced, contributing to emotions of sadness or risks of developing depression and high anxiety. Experiencing these overwhelming feelings can make it harder to regulate and control your emotions.
Chronic stress doesn’t have to stay. There are many different ways to help relieve stress and relax the mind. A lifestyle change is one of them. Exercising can help improve your mood, eating healthy food and having a balanced diet helps reduce stress, getting enough sleep helps your brain process the stresses from the day, and practicing relaxation like yoga or tai chi helps clear your mind and relieve stress. Another way to relieve stress is therapy. Connecting with someone about your stress can actually help reduce or manage it. The third way to relieve stress is medication. Medication helps to block stress hormones and reduce physical symptoms like sweating or a fast heartbeat. Medication should only be taken when stress levels are severe enough to the point it is disrupting your life. If you’re having problems managing your stress, contact a doctor and get proper help.
