15 November 2009
STRESS
Stress, or more accurately “the stress
response,” is an essential survival mechanism. As a result there are processes to assure
organism integrity and metabolism. Among animals, the primitive manner of
living is “devour or be devoured.” To facilitate perpetuation of life in
difficult circumstances, changes occur that prepare the bodymind for intense
physical activity. That preparation is stress.
Stress,
or more accurately "the stress response," is and essential survival
mechanism. As a result, there are processes to assure organism
integrity and metabolism. Among animals, the primitive manner of living
is "devour or be devoured." To facilitate perpetuation of life in
difficult circumstances, changes occur that prepare the bodymind for
intense physical activity. That preparation is commonly known as stress.
Whenever anxiety exists, there are also characteristic internal changes. Some of the more noticeable changes are:
The foregoing is a simplified description of what happens when life is threatened. You could say that fear is intended to save your life.
The problem for humans is that the bodymind often misinterprets the level of threat and then goes into emergency mode when no real emergency exists. Commonly, such a state is referred to a "worry." Under such conditions, fear can continue over a longer period of time. And when that happens, the stress response also continues. The result of excessive fear and continuing stress response will eventually be tissue damage - sometimes referred to as "stress-induced illness."
Whenever anxiety exists, there are also characteristic internal changes. Some of the more noticeable changes are:
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Initially, two hormones are released by the brain. These hormones start a very rapid change of events.
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The sympathetic side of the
autonomic nervous system becomes dominant, preparing one for intense
physical activity. The heart beats more rapidly and the blood pressure
rises. Simultaneously, circulatory changes occur so that the blood
supply to muscles is increased, while the supply to internal organs is
diminished. This change is often referred to as the "fight-flight"
response.
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| Additionally, brain hormones
cause the adrenal gland to produce more cortisol. Increased cortisol
diverts energy away from the immune system. In effect, you don't need
immunity from viruses and bacteria when you are about to be dinner for
a tiger. |
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| An additional effect is a diminution of your ability to think logically. The safety centers in the primitive parts of the brain take over. Your actions become more automatic and decision-making is impaired. Again, in an extreme emergency, there's no time for making decisions, which is why nature has wisely permitted the safety centers to take control. |
The foregoing is a simplified description of what happens when life is threatened. You could say that fear is intended to save your life.
The problem for humans is that the bodymind often misinterprets the level of threat and then goes into emergency mode when no real emergency exists. Commonly, such a state is referred to a "worry." Under such conditions, fear can continue over a longer period of time. And when that happens, the stress response also continues. The result of excessive fear and continuing stress response will eventually be tissue damage - sometimes referred to as "stress-induced illness."