Understanding the Stress Response: The Science Behind Why We Stress
by Darrin Pfannenstiel, J.D., M.Ed., LPC-A | Therapist - Men, Women, and Couples
Ever felt your heart pounding before a big presentation? Or experienced sweaty palms during a high-stakes negotiation? These are common signs of stress, and you're certainly not alone. Stress is a universal human experience, but what exactly is happening in our bodies when we're stressed? Let's dive deep into the science behind why we stress.
What Is Stress?
At its core, stress is a physiological response designed to help us survive. It's a complex system involving multiple parts of our bodies, particularly our brains and adrenal glands. This system, known as the 'stress response,' activates when we perceive a threat, whether it's a physical danger (like a predator) or something psychological (like a challenging work deadline).
The Biology of Stress
When our brain perceives a threat, it initiates a sequence of events involving our nervous system and various hormones. This is the famed "fight or flight" response. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
1. Perception of Threat: The amygdala, an area of our brain involved in emotion processing, detects a potential threat and signals the hypothalamus.
2. Activation of the Hypothalamus: The hypothalamus acts like a command center, communicating with the rest of the body through the autonomic nervous system.
3. Autonomic Nervous System Response: The autonomic nervous system stimulates the adrenal glands, prompting them to release adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). These hormones increase heart rate, blood pressure, and energy supplies.
4. Release of Cortisol: The hypothalamus also triggers the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which in turn signals the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH then prompts the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, the primary stress hormone. Cortisol curbs non-emergency bodily functions like the immune response and digestion, enhances the body's metabolism of glucose, and streamlines brain's use of glucose while increasing the availability of substances that repair tissues.
The Role of Stress
While stress can feel uncomfortable, it serves a vital purpose. The 'fight or flight' response prepares us to react quickly to danger, increasing our chances of survival. However, problems can arise when this system is activated too frequently or for prolonged periods. This chronic stress can lead to various health issues, including heart disease, sleep problems, digestive issues, depression, and obesity.
What to Do Next
Stress is more than just a feeling—it's a critical biological response designed to help us navigate threats. Understanding this can help us view stress from a new perspective and better equip us to manage it. However, chronic stress is a serious concern with significant health implications. If you find yourself frequently or constantly stressed, it may be time to seek help. Stay tuned for future posts on proven stress management techniques and strategies to reduce chronic stress.
Stress is a part of life, but it doesn't have to control your life. With understanding and the right tools, you can take charge of your stress and enhance your well-being. That’s where I come in.
I specialize in helping individuals — especially working professionals and business owners — overcome stress and anxiety. Click Contact Me below to request a No-Cost Initial Assessment. You’ll evaluate whether I am a fit for you and whether you want to hire me as your therapist, and I’ll make sure I’m a good fit for you.
Darrin Pfannenstiel is an attorney-turned-therapist serving men, women, and couples in the Dallas area and online. He has practiced Buddhist meditation and mindfulness for over 25 years — having formerly taught at a Buddhist center when he lived in Austin. He specializes in work and career-related issues.
As a Gestalt therapist, Darrin works with clients to help them gain insights into their experiences and emotions — specializing in guiding them to discover their inner strengths and make positive changes in their lives. He also specializes in human sexuality and is trained in The Gottman Method for couples counseling in Dallas.
As a writer, Darrin aims to share practical strategies and insights to help readers improve their mental health and live a fulfilling life.
Contact him today to request an appointment.
