EFFECTS ON THE BRAINAND WAYS TO TREAT

Stress

STRESS

large proportion of visits to the doctor's office are due to psychological problems Acute or chronic stress.

Stressors--events and situations--may be blamed for the uncomfortable effects of stress. The way we perceive stressors determines whether

stress is experienced as a panic or a challenge. While normal stress protects the body in times

of threat, prolonged stress may potentially damage the body, including the brain.

Bodies Reaction to Stress

When a stressful situation occurs, the body reacts with an outpouring of hormones Adrenaline, Norepinephrine Cortisol

Increase heart rateIncrease respirationIncrease blood to

skeletal muscles Dulls pain Stimulates the

immune systemTurns sugar and fat

into energy.

Robert Sapolsky at Stanford University

sustained stressors abuse, combat, perceived unrealistic pressures, illness, anger-producing situations.

Prolonged flood of stress hormones

Cause shrinking in certain brain areas Hippocampus.

Hippocampus

Major role = memory.

It is not unusual for persons with prolonged stress to report forgetfulness and difficulty learning.

A hopeful discovery is that certain portions of the hippocampus can recover once the stress response is reversed.

Since catastrophes, life changes, and conflicts that produce a stress reaction are a part of most people's lives

it is how we learn to interpret and control stressors that is crucial

Functions Adrenal Glands

Proper glucose metabolism

Regulation of blood pressure

Insulin release for blood sugar maintanence

Immune function Inflammatory response

Cortisol

Cortisol

Normally, it’s present in the body at higher levels in the morning, and at its lowest at night.

Called the “the stress hormone” because it’s also secreted in higher levels during the body’s fight or flight response to stress

Small increases of cortisol have some positive effects Cortisol secretion varies among individuals. People are geneticly programmed to react differently to stress. One person may secrete higher levels of cortisol than another in the

same situation. Studies have also shown that people who secrete higher levels of

cortisol in response to stress also tend to eat more food, and food that is higher in carbohydrates than people who secrete less cortisol.

If you’re more sensitive to stress, it’s especially important for you to learn stress management techniques and maintain a low stress lifestyle

Short Bursts and Healthy Life Style

Prolonged Stress

A quick burst of energy for survival reasons

Heightened memory functions

A burst of increased immunity

Lower sensitivity to pain

Helps maintain homeostasis in the body

Impaired cognitive performance Suppressed thyroid function Blood sugar imbalances such as

hyperglycemia Decreased bone density Decrease in muscle tissue Higher blood pressure Lowered immunity and inflammatory

responses in the body slowed wound healing, other health consequences

Increased abdominal fat. heart attacks strokes, higher levels of “bad” cholesterol lower levels of “good” cholesterol

Cortisol

Coping with Stress

Exercise strengthens the body It can reduce the experience

of stress, depression, and anxiety.

Dozens of scientific studies have demonstrated the relationship between exercise and mood.

Exercise promotes arousal and relaxation, and improves quality of sleep

These conditions help the body recover from the stress response.

Relaxation

Meditation

Biofeedback

Activities that promotes lower blood pressure, slower respiration, reduced metabolism and muscle tension.

These counteract the effects of stress.

Social Contacts

Friends Family Relationships can

help in creating emotional trust, support, and relaxation.

Even caring for a pet can provide significant emotional comfort that helps reduce stress.

Attitude

Confidence

Positive ability to solve problems

Optimistic

Healthy lifestyle

Not smoking Minimal use of

alcoholBalanced nutrition

and weight control Being in control of

your life

Other Activities

Guided Imagery

Journaling

Self-Hypnosis

Yoga

Listening to Music

Breathing Exercises