“Stress is the body’s natural reaction to any threat or challenge, resulting in physiological (physical) and psychological (mental) responses.”
It is normal to experience stress, as it prepares your body for new situations. The human body is made to bear such pressures as stress. When facing stress, the body releases chemicals and hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. This situation activates the fight-or-flight response against these stressors. After all this, the body should come back to its normal state. Stress should last for a short time, but if it continues for a long time (chronic stress), then it is dangerous for the body’s physical and mental health. It should not become a trauma or chronic stress.
Chronic stress persists for a longer period. It can have many negative impacts on the body’s physical and mental health.
A 2021 study published in “Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews” claims that stress can expose the body to bacteria and viruses by inhibiting protective immune cell production.
A 2023 study in “Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology” said stress can cause gut issues like ulcers and bowel syndrome that disturb the digestive system.
People who have chronic stress at a high level are more likely to develop depression in comparison to those with low stress levels, as found in a 2023 study in “JAMA Psychiatry”.