Analysis: stress is a physiological and psychological response to a range of challenging situations which differ from person to person
Stress is a common part of life, affecting all systems of the body including the respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, nervous, musculoskeletal, reproductive and immune systems. It is a physiological and psychological response to a range of challenging situations.
It can result from a variety of factors, including perspective of work pressure, personal relationships, financial difficulties, major life changes, or fear of the unknown and phobias. Differences in perception can lead to varying opinions and perspectives on the same subject or situation. This can contribute to differences in understanding and awareness of certain issues or facts.
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From RTÉ Brainstorm via RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, why 7.23am is the most stressful time of the day
It is important to recognise that perception and interpretation of situations can vary greatly among individuals. Each person has their own unique perspective shaped by their experiences, beliefs, knowledge and cognitive processes. These can influence how someone perceives and understands the world around them. Emotions and personal attachments can impact one's perceptions of reality. Fear can cloud one's judgment and lead to irrational or distorted perceptions of reality.
Fear is an emotional reaction that can trigger a fight-or-flight response and often involves a sense of immediate danger or harm. It is an emotional response to a perceived threat or danger. Fear typically arises in response to specific perceived threats or dangers and fear of the unknown is a source of stress for some people. For example, it is estimated that a significant portion of the population experiences some level of fear or discomfort when encountering spiders.
The brain's stress response system is primarily controlled by the hypothalamus and the amygdala which detect and evaluate potential stressors in the environment. If a perceived stressor is significant, the hypothalamus signals the sympathetic nervous system to prepare for action.
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From RTÉ 2fm's Jennifer Zamparelli show, how to deal with panic attacks
The hypothalamus releases a hormone called corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). CRH travels to the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain. In response to CRH, the pituitary gland releases another hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) into the bloodstream. ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands, which are small triangular-shaped glands located on top of the kidneys.
The adrenal glands respond to ACTH by releasing stress hormones, primarily cortisol, into the bloodstream. Cortisol helps regulate metabolism, suppresses the immune response, increases blood sugar levels and plays a role in the body's stress response. As cortisol levels rise in the bloodstream, they provide feedback to the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to reduce the release of CRH and ACTH, respectively. This negative feedback loop helps maintain a balance in cortisol levels and prevents excessive cortisol production.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne, Prof Cliona O'Farrelly from TCD on stress and the immune system
Adrenaline is released through the activation of the sympathetic nervous system. It increases heart rate, tense muscles and heightened senses. Prolonged stress takes a toll on our body and mind with sleep disturbances and weakened immunity. It is well known that the stress hormone cortisol affects our mood and our inner peace. Muscles tense up and get ready for action, prepared to fight or flight without distraction. Breathing becomes rapid, lungs take in air, supplying oxygen. Digestion slows down and focus sharpens. The body's response is finely woven.
The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for counteracting the stress response, promoting relaxation and restoring normal bodily functions. Acute stress can enhance immune activity, while chronic stress may suppress immune function, making the body more susceptible to illness and infections. Acute stress increases blood levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, a short 2 minute breathing exercise aimed at calming the mind in these stressful times
Chronic stress, which can last from days to years, is also associated with higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, but with potentially different health consequences. Inflammation is a necessary short-term response for eliminating pathogens and initiating healing, but chronic, systemic inflammation represents dysregulation of the immune system and increases risk for chronic diseases, including atherosclerosis and frailty. Another consequence of chronic stress is activation of latent viruses. Latent virus activation can reflect the loss of immunological control over the virus, and frequent activation can cause wear-and-tear on the immune system.
A healthy attitude creates a calm retreat. Finding calm helps our heart beats slower, relaxing muscles, letting go of the stress. Exercise and laughter are known to lift our mood. Once the stress subsides, the body unwinds, relaxation sets in, leaving tension behind, inducing a peaceful refrain with serenity and relaxation while relaxing breathing and easing stress and strains. Engaging in hobbies or activities can bring relaxation, leading to a healthier, happier life and help one navigate through stressful situations more effectively.
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
