We live in a world where we are constantly being bombarded with stress of all kinds. Chronic stress can affect us physically and emotionally in a variety of ways. Physically, chronic stress can affect all systems of the body including the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, nervous, and reproductive systems. We know stress isn’t beneficial for our bodies and minds - we can feel it! But we often do not know how to break the stressful cycles we find ourselves in.
One aspect of chronic stress that is often overlooked is its effect on the nervous system. The nervous system has several divisions: the central division involving the brain and spinal cord and the peripheral division consisting of the autonomic and somatic nervous systems. The autonomic nervous system, made up of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), plays an important role in processing stress. When the body is stressed, the SNS communicates to the adrenal glands to release the hormones adrenaline and cortisol - contributing to what is known as the “fight or flight” response. This gives us the physical experience of stress we often encounter - increased heart rate, sweating, and changes in GI to name a few. When the stressor leaves, the body will recalibrate.
When stress becomes chronic, the nervous system has a harder time doing its job, which results in a drain on the body. We then can get stuck in a cycle where we are managing the trigger of the chronic stress, but in addition, our body is paying the price for the continuous activation of the nervous system and the constant firing of stress hormones.
Here are a few examples of how chronic stress can affect us:
Increased irritability
Increased anxiety or depression
Weight fluctuations and appetite changes
Hormonal imbalances
Fatigue
Worsening of chronic health conditions
Trouble sleeping
GI issues
Changes in menstruation
Decrease in libido
How can therapy help?
Chronic stress needs to be treated holistically. Simply talking about our stressors may help, but it will not be enough to help the nervous system regulate. Working with a therapist can help bring regulation to our nervous system by decreasing the over firing of the fight or flight response. Body based therapies, like somatic experiencing and EMDR, help you not only process the narrative of stress and trauma, but also the physical experiences. These approaches help to create safety in the body which can be a buffer against the effects of chronic stress.
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