EFFECTS ON THE BRAIN AND WAYS TO TREAT Stress. STRESS large proportion of visits to the doctor's...
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Transcript of EFFECTS ON THE BRAIN AND WAYS TO TREAT Stress. STRESS large proportion of visits to the doctor's...
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.
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