Stress and its Effect on the Human Brain

Written by Ivory Chen

We’ve all been stressed before. Tests, work, family, you name it. But, stress affects us all differently. At this basis, stress is a basic bodily response to challenges you may experience. When stress is experienced, the brain sends a rush of adrenaline and cortisol hormones into the body to prepare the body for any potential actions. This response is important for any acute situation since it helps the body stay alert and calm. 

At the same time, being overly stressed is potentially dangerous. Chronic stress can cause inflammation in the brain, due to prolonged exposure to hormones. This inflammation can potentially alter memory or mood. Stress also increases the risk of developing other neurological conditions like dementia, depression, migraines, and even a stroke. 

Acute stress has the ability to temporarily boost the brain’s function, though chronic stress may lead to shrinking the hippocampus. This is because the human brain’s neuroplasticity is flexible. Changes to our environments may lead to minor changes in our brain’s structure. Overall, steps should be taken to reduce the toll that stress takes on the body by developing healthy coping mechanisms such as meditation, exercising, breathing methods, etc. 

References

“The Effect of Stress on the Brain and Ways to Manage It: Nuvance Health.” The Effect of Stress on the Brain and Ways to Manage It | Nuvance Health, www.nuvancehealth.org/health-tips-and-news/the-effect-of-stress-on-the-brain-and-ways-t o-manage-it#:~:text=Prolonged%20exposure%20to%20stress%20hormones,%2C%20he adaches%2C%20migraines%20and%20stroke. Accessed 2 Aug. 2024.

Written by Ivory Chen from MEDILOQUY