Fight or flight
To understand this, we need to go back to the days when humans lived as hunters and gatherers. Our brains haven’t evolved very much since then. Stress is a natural reaction to situations that are perceived as challenging or threatening and puts our bodies into a “fight or flight”-mode, says Kari-Elise Frøystad Veddegjærde, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at Aalesund hospital.
In this state, the body releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. In the right doses, they can make us more attentive. But if we live with high stress over long periods, things start to take a negative turn.
A heightened level of stress hormones over time is toxic to parts of the brain, especially the hippocampus. We find it harder to concentrate, our memory deteriorates, and many experience physical symptoms like palpitations, shallow breathing, sore muscles, back and shoulders, says Veddegjærde.
This heightens the risk of diseases like heart disorders and diabetes. In addition to the physical effects, stress can also take a toll on our mental well-being. It can cause a lack of concentration and poor decision making, leading to problems at work or school. It can also lead to feelings of irritability, sadness, and hopelessness.