At this point, the physical effects of chronic stress have been well documented. Persistent stress has the effect of triggering the body’s fight or flight response, something that should only happen when a person is in a life or death situation. When that response is triggered by everyday hassles and frustrations, the body becomes inundated with stress hormones that have the effect of sapping energy, impairing mental focus and greatly reducing the body’s ability to metabolize fat. However a new study has found that untreated chronic stress can also greatly increase a person’s risk factor for developing debilitating neurological illnesses later in life.
The study, originating from the University of Toronto, noted that chronic stress has the effect of interfering with the brain’s ability to transfer and store information. Over time, this stress-related damage can greatly impair a person’s spatial awareness, memory, ability to control their emotions and maintain a positive mental outlook. As a result of this neurological damage, many chronic stress sufferers begin exhibiting the symptoms of dementia and clinical depression. Researchers noted that while chronic stress can negatively impact a person’s quality of life, doing things like maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet, getting regular exercise and taking time out to relax can play a part in preventing the onset of neurological dysfunction.
Read the full article here: Chronic stress, anxiety can damage the brain, increase risk of major psychiatric disorders