Severe stress can cause diseases of the nervous system

Chronic stress not only puts a strain on the heart and causes insomnia, but also affects the daily functioning of the brain. According to the data, very severe stress can impair the ability to remember, concentrate, and the ability to think logically. It can also accelerate the aging process or lead to the development of diseases of the nervous system.

What is stress?

Stress has a mobilizing effect on our nervous system. As a result of a situation that forces us to concentrate more and work at maximum speed, a large amount of cortisol and adrenaline is released in the body. They have a mobilizing effect, thanks to which they help us to concentrate, increase the ability to connect facts and logical thinking.

Single stressful situations can motivate our nervous system to work. However, if they happen too often, they start doing just the opposite. Chronic stress can not only burden the brain and heart, but also lead to exhaustion of the body.

How does stress affect the brain?

Under the influence of stress and feelings of anxiety or fear, cortisol is produced in our brain. High levels of cortisol have a mobilizing effect on the brain, provided that this is not a long-term phenomenon. Prolonged stress and excessive production of cortisol can lead to the destruction of nerve cells.

This state of affairs contributes to problems with concentration, memory and association of facts. Excessive production of stress hormones disrupts the hippocampus, the area of ​​the brain responsible for long-term memory, as well as emotions. It can also be destructive to the prefrontal cortex, which allows us to solve problems.

How to recognize chronic stress?

Chronic stress can cause various symptoms. It’s not just memory problems, impaired performance, or a feeling of being unable to control reality. There is also difficulty falling asleep, superficial sleep, palpitations, sweating of the hands, pallor of the skin. Chronic stress can also cause migraines, menstrual irregularities in women, erectile dysfunction, and sexual problems in men. In both sexes, it can lead to overload of the musculoskeletal system and pain in the joints or bones.

Excessive stress significantly reduces immunity and disrupts the functioning of the immune system. People who are stressed, sleep poorly, and eat poorly may be more likely to suffer from viral and bacterial infections.