- Written By: R. Bargar
- Edited By: Jessica Seminara
- Last Modified Date: 07 February 2012
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Copyright Protected:
2003-2012 Conjecture Corporation
When the body experiences stress, it triggers a complex series of interactions between the nervous system and the endocrine system, which regulates hormones. The nervous system senses and interprets events, and if stress is perceived, the endocrine system is alerted while the sympathetic nervous system is activated. Chemical signaling by hormones is initiated by a tiny structure in the brain, the hypothalamus. Using the nervous system’s electrical signaling, the hypothalamus triggers the release of hormones by the endocrine glands. Heart rate, breathing, digestion and a host of other metabolic processes are influenced by the intricate interactions between hormones, stress and the nervous system.
The central nervous system, made up of the brain and spinal cord, rapidly sends and receives electrical signals via neurons that act like messaging pathways. Signals from the peripheral nervous system are transported to the brain for interpretation. The brain responds by sending electrical messages that trigger muscles to act. In addition to controlling movement, the brain senses emotional, physical or mental stress and signals the endocrine system to release the appropriate hormones in response to the perceived emergency. Stress and the nervous system's responses to it normally function to protect humans from harm, but chronic stress overwhelms the system.
To deal with stress, the sympathetic nervous system activates the fight or flight response — which triggers a surge in adrenaline, increased heart and breathing rates, elevated blood pressure and slowed digestion. This primes the body to act quickly during emergencies. The close ties between stress and the nervous system can cause problems when stress is chronic and the emergency response gets stuck in the "on" position. Anxiety, sleep problems, and damage to the heart might occur if stress is excessive. Chronic stress prevents the parasympathetic nervous system from returning the body to a balanced, relaxed state.
The interaction of stress and the nervous system causes the endocrine system to release hormones that have quick and wide-ranging effects throughout the body. The functioning of the immune system is depressed, and healing and repair of tissues slows, while activation of the sympathetic nervous system increases the stress the body feels. Emotional issues may develop, including anxiety and depression. Digestive functioning is impaired and stress-related diseases might emerge, such as chronic indigestion or irritable bowel syndrome. Medical professionals advise that people learn how to manage stress to help control potential problems with chronic stress and the nervous system's response.
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kylee07drg
Post 4 |
My brother's nervous system was never the same after he came home from serving in the military overseas. Being stressed so much for years affected him deeply, both physically and mentally.
His wife cannot sleep in the same bed with him anymore, because he wakes up thinking he is under attack. He has picked her up off the mattress and slammed her down on the floor in the past, before he had a chance to wake up fully and realize that she wasn't the enemy.
Loud noises make him hit the ground for safety. He is paranoid about people's intentions, and you can't make sudden movements around him. |
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OeKc05
Post 3 |
The effects of stress are varied. While my heart rate and nerves seem to suffer, my sister's stomach and sleep patterns are disturbed.
My hands shake a lot when I'm stressed. Also, my blood pressure rises. Fortunately, I only go through short episodes of this, and then I get better.
My sister lets her job stress her out constantly, though. She has lost weight, because she stays nauseated and has no appetite.
Even though she is very tired, she cannot sleep through the night. She wakes up after a few hours of sleep and lies there with her troubled thoughts for a long time. |
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lighth0se33
Post 2 |
@StarJo – Stress and anxiety ruled my world for several years. The most extreme manifestation of it took the form of panic attacks.
When I would experience one of these, I felt as though I were dying. I would depart from reality, and though my physical surroundings were the same, I felt removed from them.
I had trouble catching my breath, and my fingers became numb. I would hang my head down, close my eyes, and pretend I really was somewhere else, and that seemed to ease the stress.
Nowadays, I am much better. I think that my faith helped me overcome the stress. Once I came to believe that life has a purpose and Jesus loves me, then I wasn't afraid of fear anymore.
I learned to get angry at the panic attack. As soon as I would feel that old fear creeping up on me, I would fight back with rage, and it would not take hold of me. |
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StarJo
Post 1 |
I know exactly how it feels to have chronic stress. This article described it perfectly. I did feel as though my body was constantly ready to react to a threat, even though physically, I was safe.
Emotional stress brought on by a dysfunctional relationship really messed up my nervous system. Before this happened, I had always been a calm, easy-going person. During my time of stress, I could not imagine ever being able to feel that way again.
Has anyone else here ever felt the strain of chronic stress? Were you able to overcome it, or are you still struggling? |
