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Chronic Stress

Chronic stress can cause a patient to feel irritable, moody and have restless sleep. Stress is not always bad, it can help one to stay patient, focused. However, stress over a prolonged period of time can affect brain size, structure, shape and how it functions. 

Under stressful situations, the adrenal gland releases cortisol which activates your body for instant action. This explains why we feel a surge of energy under stress. However, high levels of cortisol over a prolonged period of time increases the level of activity and neuro-connections in the amygdala, also know as your brain’s “fear centre”. 


With high levels of cortisol, your brain’s hippocampus-the part of your brain responsible for stress control, reading and learning- deteriorates, and hence your ability to control stress. 


Abnormal levels of cortisol can also reduces the synapses between neurons and cause shrinking of the pre-frontal cortex. This affects concentration, decision-making and judgement. 


https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-symptoms-effects_of-stress-on-the-body

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037




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