How Stress Affects the Brain - 5/13/17

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Summary: Stress takes a variety of forms. Some stress happens as the result of a short-term event such as having an argument with a loved one. Other stress happens due to recurring situations, such as working a demanding job. When recurring situations cause stress that is both intense and sustained over a long period of time, this is known as chronic stress. Even though all stress triggers physiological reactions, chronic stress is a big problem because of the significant harm it can do to the body and the brain. When someone experiences a stressful event, an area of the brain that contributes to emotional processing sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus. This area of the brain functions like a command center, communicating with the rest of the body through the nervous system so that the person has the energy to fight or flee. This “fight-or-flight” response is responsible for the physical reactions most people correlate with stress including increased heart rate, enhanced senses, a deeper intake of oxygen and the rush of adrenaline. Sequentially, a hormone called cortisol is released, which helps to restore the energy lost in the response. When the stressful event is over, cortisol levels drop and the body returns to stasis.  These reactions can be beneficial in certain situations. In addition to returning balance to the body after a stressful event, cortisol helps control blood sugar levels in cells and has useful value in the hippocampus, where memories are stored and processed. However, the buildup of cortisol in the brain can have long-term effects. Therefore, chronic stress can lead to health problems. When chronic stress is endured, the body makes more cortisol than it has a chance to release. This is when cortisol and stress can lead to trouble. High levels of cortisol can wear down the brain’s ability to function properly. Chronic stress has a shrinking effect on the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for memory and learning.

S&EP - Communicating Information:
Communicating information is a very important part in science. This week my group and I communicated information in the form of a poster to help people who have just experienced a natural disaster. This poster gave information and helpful tips to care for their mental health through this devestating time. On our poster, we gave the victims 3 ways to relax and take their minds off of the stressful situation. They could take time to connect with others who have survived the same disasters as them. People could also practice yoga and meditate. As well as writing your thoughts and frustrations in a journal of some sort. As you can see, we communicated information in the form of a poster to help people stay healthy after a life changing event.

XCC - Cause and Effect:
While learning about the effects of chronic stress, I noticed a cause and effect relationship. I noticed that when you have chronic stress, the body makes more  cortisol than it has a chance to release. Low levels of cortisol can be beneficial, but when too much is produced the brain looses its ability to function properly. Too much cortisol can create a shrinking effect on the prefrontal cortex. All for all, there are many cause and effect relationships between stress, mental health, and natural disasters.

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