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Stress is perfectly normal, and everyone experiences it from time to time. The nervous system responds to perceived stressors with the Flight-Fight-Freeze response that activates the release of stress hormones that cause the heart to beat faster, respiration rate to increase, and glucose in the bloodstream to increase. All of this happens without a conscious decision to help keep us safe.
Stress is perfectly normal, and everyone experiences it from time to time. The nervous system responds to perceived stressors with the Flight-Fight-Freeze response that activates the release of stress hormones that cause the heart to beat faster, respiration rate to increase, and glucose in the bloodstream to increase. All of this happens without a conscious decision to help keep us safe.
In most cases, that extra boost to our body can be helpful in moving us out of danger or it can increase alertness and performance. In normal situations, the perceived threat passes, and the nervous system returns to normal. With toxic stress, that perceived threat never goes away so our bodies remain in a state of high alert. Toxic stress is defined as the activation of the stress response system for an extended amount of time without the protection of a strong, supportive adult relationship.
In most cases, that extra boost to our body can be helpful in moving us out of danger or it can increase alertness and performance. In normal situations, the perceived threat passes, and the nervous system returns to normal. With toxic stress, that perceived threat never goes away so our bodies remain in a state of high alert. Toxic stress is defined as the activation of the stress response system for an extended amount of time without the protection of a strong, supportive adult relationship.
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