Stress, the uncomfortable
feeling of being overwhelmed, worried or run-down, can lead to both
physiological and psychological disturbance. Whereas good stress (Eutsress) may
push one to achieve their goals, meet targets and lead better fulfilling
lives from the successes achieved as a result, it is bad stress (distress, acute stress) than
is can cause problems if not well managed. Baum (1990), describes stress as any
"emotional experience accompanied by predictable biochemical,
physiological and behavioral changes." It is the invisible/unobservable biochemical changes
during a stressful episode that can wreak havoc. This article tries to
elucidate one such biochemical, cortisol, the so called ‘stress hormone’ ...which
I call the ‘enemy within’ or the 'silent killer'
We all encounter one or more
of stressful situations such as a relationship break-ups, having to take care
of a family during hard economic times, joblessness, death of a loved one,
termination of employment, and such daily hassles that keep one under constant
assault. When the body comes under such pressure, present or perceived, a
mechanism to deal with the threat through an adaptation process called flight or fight is initiated. Flight or
fight was coined my Walter Canon in the 1920s. That ‘animals react to threats with a
general discharge of the sympathetic nervous system.’ It was later publicised as the initial
stage of an adaptation mechanism in response to stressful situation among
vertebrates and other organisms. Through complex sympathetic
nervous system processes, the hypothalamus at the base of the brain sends a
signal that initiates a biochemical process leading to the release of adrenaline
and cortisol by the adrenal glands, among other hormones.
Adrenaline increases
the individual’s heart rate, elevates blood pressure, and boosts energy supplies
to equip the individual with the requisite abilities and strength to deal with
the stressing situation. Cortisol, the
primary ‘stress hormone’ increases sugar levels in the blood stream, enhances
brains use of glucose, and avails substances necessary for repair of tissue. This
hormone gets in the way of any functions that are not adding value to the
flight or fight mechanism under way. For example, it alters the digestive and
reproductive system, and growth processes. Signals are also send to brain areas
responsible mood, motivation, and fear.
Under normal circumstances, where
the ‘action’ as anticipated by the body takes place, and the perceived or
present stressful circumstance is dealt with, and/or passes, adrenaline and cortisol levels go back
to normal. HOWEVER, in instances where the stressor is continually present and
not effectively dealt with, the flight or fight mode remains engaged. This may
mark the beginning of problems.
Cortisol levels begin to build up in the blood,
which is not good for the body and mind. The long stay of these hormones, and
especially cortisol can alter the functioning of many body processes, The end
result could be conditions such as anxiety, depression, heart problems, digestive
issues, weight gain, headaches, sleep problems, memory and concentration impairment,
learning difficulties, lowered immunity, and ...the list is endless
It is therefore important to
know how to deal with stress
