Stress can be extremely detrimental to your physical, emotional, and overall health, particularly when it turns chronic. Ongoing stress can interfere with your hormones and potentially heighten the likelihood of various mental health issues. A recent research study has shown that stress may lead to cognitive deterioration and heighten the risk of dementia.
Stress, whether it’s short-term or long-term, can disrupt several cognitive functions such as attention, concentration, decision-making, and even affect memory.
As per Dr. Dinika Anand, Clinical Psychologist at BLK-Max Super Specialty Hospital, stress occurs when the pressures on a person exceed their capacity to manage.
“When stress becomes chronic, it leads to a prolonged physiological response—most notably the continuous secretion of stress hormones like cortisol, which can disrupt normal brain function,” stated Dr. Anand.
How Stress Disturbs Quality of Living?
Stress is a significant aspect of contemporary living. Humans, similar to other species, have developed adaptive strategies to reduce the physiological or psychological effects of stress.
Nonetheless, exposure to traumatic or accumulated stressors can significantly influence the onset of psychiatric conditions like depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addictive behaviors.
Cognitive Impairment
Cognitive impairment is a common area found in various psychiatric conditions, including disorders related to stress. For instance, irregularities in several cognitive processes like cognitive flexibility, working memory, and behavioral inhibition have been noted in depression, PTSD, and substance use disorder, and substantial evidence indicates that stress worsens cognitive deficits.
Cognitive impairment may affect various domains or aspects of an individual’s cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention, planning, reasoning, decision-making, language (comprehension, writing, speaking), executive functions, and visuospatial skills.
Cognitive impairment refers to a variety of diseases and conditions and can also be a symptom or indication of another underlying issue.
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Ways To Reduce Stress
- Practice stress reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing practices, and mindfulness techniques.
- Physical activity is an effective way to reduce stress, boost mood, and promote better mental well-being.
- A nutritious and well-rounded diet can promote brain wellness and assist in reducing the body’s stress impacts.
- Emphasize the importance of quality sleep to aid the brain in recovery and memory consolidation, essential for cognitive performance.
- Identify stress triggers and create ways to manage them effectively.
Chronic stress is associated with issues like heart disease, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, weakened immunity, and digestive disorders. Utilize these suggestions to handle stress successfully and feel free to seek advice from a professional.
