Stress Response
When we encounter stressors, our internal communication network (the HPA axis and autonomic nervous system) responds in ways to adjust to this challenge by activating and releasing hormones. Click to see the schematic representation of the neuro-pathways of cortisol release by the HPA axis. The hormone, adrenaline, released by the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), together with cortisol, produces physiological changes known as the "stress response" (i.e.,"fear or flight" response"). These changes are depicted in the right hand pane.
While the stress response allows our bodies to rev up to escape and/or master a situation, our bodies become seriously compromised when the stress response is repeatedly switched on from exposure to new stressors . With each new stressor, our previous set point for coping becomes increasingly elevated and our ability to adjust, regulate and shut off the stress response, becomes much more difficult. Eventually, we experience allostatic load, resulting in pathological effects on our health.
Review the physiology of the stress response in more detail if needed.
