Stress Resources- Physical Stress
Introduction, stress messages are sent by four hormones systems. The longer the mind perceives that a stressor is present, the stronger the hormone that is released.
Adrenaline Hormones: Within 20 or 30 seconds of perceiving an event as stressful, the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline will reach the target organs to perpetuate the actions of the soon-to-tire sympathetic nervous system.
Benefits: These hormones continue stress responses begun by the sympathetic nervous system, such as faster heart rate, higher blood pressure, blood flow changes etc., in order to sustain fight/flight for up to 1 - 2 hours.
Liabilities: Activating this system too frequently or continually causing excessive amounts of adrenaline and noradrenaline to be released. Can increase the risk of episodes of high BP, angina, arrhythmia's, and cardiovascular problems.
Perceptions of a stressful event that lasts for more than 1 - 2 hours causes other hormones to be released which have longer lasting effects. These hormones require greater stimuli to initiate their release and are especially triggered by stressful events seen as very threatening, emotionally upsetting, psychosocially demanding (e.g. conflict, or fear of losing position/relationship/money/grades/status) or if it is perceived as something that may have a long duration.
Vasopressin Hormone: Aldosterone is released to adjust blood pressure. It takes under an hour for this hormone to begin acting and it can continue acting for minutes or days.
Benefits: The body is ready for any possible blood loss from injuries in a fight. To protect against blood loss, vasopressin increases blood pressure, increases blood volume), and contracts smooth muscles in the blood vessel walls.
Liabilities: Releasing vasopressin too frequently or continually, causing excessive amounts of vasopressin can lead to high blood pressure.
Cortisol Hormone: Glucocorticoids Cortisol and corticosterone are released to generate more energy and keep fueling fight/flight responses.
Benefits: These hormones increase glucose production and the break down of fat, protein, and muscle tissue for energy so that the stress responses would be able to continue for several days to meet longer term or more demanding stressors.
Liabilities: Releasing glucocorticoids too frequently or continually : Excessive amounts of glucocorticoid hormones create vitamin depletion, suppressed appetite, stomach irritation and gastrointestinal symptoms, increased blood pressure, increased susceptibility to athlerosclerosis, depression (feeling helpless, hopeless and loss of control), worsening of herpes simplex, and suppressed immune system (so now it is easier to catch colds/flu etc).
Some of the most damaging effects to the body by our own stress response system are via these chemicals. Again, perception plays a key role in release of the glucocorticoids. If the stressful event is perceived as a “threat” (e.g.. to our status, rank, career, goals) then a lot of cortisol is released to mobilize more energy resources.
Thyroid Hormones: Thyroxine and triiodothyronine are released to continue stress responses by increasing metabolism, heart rate and blood pressure. It takes a few days for these hormones to begin acting, but once started they could continue acting for up to 2 – 3 weeks!
Benefits: These hormones can help sustain fight/flight for the long term to continue addressing stressors that last for days or weeks.
Liabilities: Releasing thyroid hormones too frequently or continually can result in increased respiration, increased oxygen consumption, increased cardiac output, increased intestinal functioning, increased thought processes (busy brain), anxiety, insomnia, paranoia, and muscle tremors. Gastrointestinal upsets and sleep disturbances that do not quickly resolve are often signs of emotional distress (that something is upsetting or eating away at you) resulting in release of stress hormones.
"It is important to recognize that these symptoms are mostly triggered by psychosocial stress and it is wise to address it before the symptoms become more chronic."
Provided by Kathy Somers, Stress Management and High Performance Clinic, University of Guelph