PSA: Elevated Levels of Stress Can Shrink your Brain

Stressful life situations include losing a job, being late for work, or going through a divorce. At some point, each and every one of us will experience stress within our lifetime. Stress is detrimental to the health of an individual and can cause high blood pressure, high cholesterol, the development of heart disease, and even death (AHA, 2014). A recent study conducted by Yale researchers has shown that elevated levels of stress can cause the gray matter in the vital regions of the brain that control emotion and physiological function [i.e. blood pressure or blood sugar levels] to shrink (Hathaway, 2012, para. 1). The study included 103 healthy individuals who expressed during interview about experiencing a traumatic stress or life event. The differences in the brain’s gray matter were visible shortly after stressful events occurred. Not only does this type of stress affect our physical health, but can have a negative impact on our mental health as well.

                       References

American Heart Association. (Jun 2014). Stress and heart health. Retrieved from
   http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/StressManagement/HowDoes
   StressAffectYou/Stress-and-Heart-Health_UCM_437370_Article.jsp

Hathaway, B. (13 Jun 2014). Even in the healthy, stress causes brain to shrink, Yale study shows.
     YaleNews. Retrieved from http://www.news.yale.edu/2012/01/09/even-healthy-stress-causes-
     brain-shrink-yale-study-shows

Introduction

Hello my name is Kelsi Walker and I am a graduate student at Texas Woman's University. I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Health Studies with an emphasis in Population Health. Additionally, I am actively studying for matriculation into medical school, in which I will be applying next year.

I have variety of interests, particularly that of childhood and adult obesity; however, my current interest focuses on the impact stress has on the development of heart disease.  As a new mother [I've been a mom for over a year now, and it still feels like having two left feet], wife, student, and full-time professional, I have personally had an ongoing relationship with stress. Studies have shown that stress has a negative impact on the overall health of an individual, often times leading to death.

I will be exploring this issue in this blog, and hope that you find the information presented to be applicable, informative, and interesting.