Believe it or not, some stress is good for you. Stress is a natural, biological response to life’s challenges. It can trigger the generation of nerve cells in the brain and improve learning. Most experts agree that moderate stress levels keep the brain alert, reduce the risk of boredom and depression, and improve a person’s overall health.

That said, prolonged activation of the body’s stress response system is not good for you, your brain, or your health in general. This type of stress is known as “toxic stress” and it can have negative long-term effects on your mental and overall health.

What Causes Toxic Stress?

Toxic stress is more common in children than in adults. Some experts estimate that as many as 1 in 3 kids are exposed to prolonged adversity. Here are a few examples of the types of challenges that can cause toxic stress:

Mental, physical, or emotional abuse
Parental illness (physical or mental)
Childhood illness
Family violence
Neglect
Economic hardship

A child can experience hardship and not endure toxic stress. Sometimes, the love and support of a caregiver can help a child feel safe and avoid the effects of prolonged stress. However, over time, long-term exposure to stress can begin to affect how a child thinks and behaves. With this in mind, it’s important to watch for the symptoms of toxic stress and seek help when necessary.

Can Toxic Stress Occur in Adults?

We see more cases of toxic stress in children than in adults because the developing minds and bodies of young people are more vulnerable to its effects. However, adults can and do experience toxic stress in some extreme circumstances. For adults, toxic stress can result from:

Workplace pressures and/or difficulties
Chronic health issues
Prolonged financial strain
Loneliness or isolation
Caregiving for a loved one
Marital or family discord

What’s more, in adults, chronic stress often is the result of compounded pressures and responsibilities. And as these pressures begin to erode resilience, optimism, and mental health, any adult may feel unable to surmount their challenges.

How Do I Know If I (Or a Loved One) Am Experiencing Toxic Stress?

The symptoms of toxic stress are similar to regular stress except that they occur on a persistent basis. And with toxic stress, the symptoms will eventually make it difficult or impossible for a person to perform daily tasks or regulate their emotions.

If you or a loved one have had these symptoms for more than a few days or weeks, it may be time to speak with a counselor about the possibility of toxic stress:

Anger or irritability
Headaches
Upset stomach
Poor sleep
Muscle tension
Chronic pain
Restlessness
Fatigue
Substance abuse
Loneliness/withdrawal from your social circles

Over time, these symptoms may begin to erode your quality of life, your ability to solve problems, and your coping skills. Recognizing the symptoms of toxic stress and seeking help can help you or your loved one get back on track to a healthier and happier existence.

What Are the Possible Health Effects of Toxic Stress?

In children and adults, the effects of toxic stress on overall health are significant. Commonly, we see prolonged stress responses lead to issues regarding:

Brain Structure

Chronic stress is proven to negatively affect the brain. Specifically, there is a heightened risk of shrinkage in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus–which can negatively affect memory, problem-solving, learning, and more.

Stress Management

It’s kind of a given that chronic stress affects your ability to manage your stress. However, it’s worth noting that this stress cycle becomes increasingly hard to break over time. When you’re feeling stressed about your stress, you know it’s time to seek help.

Cortisol Responses

Stress causes the release of the hormone cortisol, which is meant to increase blood pressure and suppress non-vital bodily functions to prepare you for a “flight or fight” response. Over time, this heightened cortisol response can have a negative effect on your heart, your digestive tract, and the rest of your body as well.

Sleep

Good sleep equals good health. Unfortunately, toxic stress can greatly disrupt your sleep habits and increase your risk of developing a sleep disorder.

Mental Health

Toxic stress can have a profound effect on your mental health. Eventually, it may even lead to the development of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Toxic stress is not something you should try to endure or wait out. Because it increases your risk of various physical and mental health conditions, we recommend seeking treatment any time you or a loved one experiences prolonged or chronic stress.

What Are the Natural Treatment Options?

Thankfully, there are many natural treatments available for children and adults experiencing toxic stress. Here are a few we recommend:

Exercise
Aromatherapy
Social support
Mindfulness
Healthy eating

For children, early childhood education programs, structured play, and parental coaching can also make a positive difference in the management of chronic stress. And for people of all ages, counseling–in particular, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy–can provide relief. The most important response to toxic stress is to find the sufferer a support group, be it family, friends, or a mental health professional.

Should I Consider Counseling as a Solution to Toxic Stress?

Counseling with a qualified professional is always a good idea for sufferers of toxic stress. That’s because counseling can help you identify stressors and develop strategies for coping with current and future stress.

At NPS, we help clients develop healthier stress responses through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This treatment helps sufferers dig deep and address the unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to toxic stress.

Remember, occasional stress is both normal and healthy. But when stress begins to affect your overall health and/or your ability to cope with daily life, it’s important to ask for help. At NPS, we offer free 15-minute meet & greets to help new clients find a counselor they feel comfortable with and excited about. Give us a call at (815) 477-4727 to learn more.