Paly ABC - STRESS

Whenever we face a potential or actual threat, our minds and bodies react in one of several possible ways. Just because we react this way and not that way at a given moment does not mean that we will react identically at another time in our lives. Our reactions, while often similar, can change over time. We may mobilize to deal with problems (fight mechanism) or avoid them (escape mechanism). There can also be a freeze reaction, when we are unable to do anything because the situation seems too difficult or dire.

Intense stress can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, fainting, shortness of breath, sleep problems or chest pain. It can also affect mood, causing anxiety, sadness or anger, as well as contribute to eating difficulties. This is when we completely lose our appetite or, on the contrary, overeat.

Prolonged or short, but intense stress, can negatively affect memorization processes. This is why it is so often the case that a child, perfectly prepared for a lesson, during a test, cannot recall information that he knew very well. The same can happen in the case of medical appointments - this situation for many people is sometimes so aggravating that there can be a void in the head, and all the questions we came with - will evaporate.

As for the visit itself - under stress it can be difficult to satisfactorily remember the course of the visit and all the important information learned during it. That's why it's a good idea to take notes during such a meeting. The key-words should suffice, which will make it easier for us to recall important things later.

We are not always able to eliminate from our lives the reasons why we experience stress. This does not mean, however, that we are doomed to the debilitating effects of chronic tension. It probably won't surprise anyone that movement has a positive effect on mood and stress reduction. The stressful response is best to run out, go out, dance - just as our ancestors did and which also has research confirmation of its effectiveness. It can also be helpful to receive psychotherapy, during which you and your psychotherapist(s) look at negative thought patterns and learn how to cope better with the situation you have to live in. Sometimes pharmacotherapy may be necessary. It's also worth looking at your diet and, in cooperation with a nutritionist/nutritionist, work out an eating plan that best suits your lifestyle.

Sources of knowledge and inspiration that led to this article:

• McEwen BS, Bowles NP, Gray JD, et al. (2015) Mechanisms of stress in the brain, Nature Neuroscience
• Quesada AA, Wiemers US, Schoofs D, Wolf OT. (2012), Psychosocial stress exposure impairs memory retrieval in children, Psychoneuroendocrinology