So, I went down a Ted Talk rabbit hole on Youtube the other day and found what I believe to be helpful videos. For me it helps to understand my brain scientifically, rather than flailing around with some vague notion that I'm inherently a mess and wondering "why am I like this - the universe has some cosmic twisted plan for me (even though I still believe it does)".
Without further ado, How Stress Affects Your Brain (4 mins):
Summary:
Apparently chronic stress can affect brain size, it's structure and how it functions. Electric signals in your hippocampus, that which is associated with learning memories and stress control, deteriorates. It inhibits the activity of the HPA axis which weakens your ability to control your stress. It further shrinks the prefrontal cortex which regulates behaviors like concentration, decision making and social interaction.
Some talk about genetics and rats.
The guy with the generic voice concludes at the end that the most powerful combatants of stress (and the effects of cortisol on your brain) is Exercise & Meditation.
Thoughts:
At an earlier stage in my illness, I would have rolled my eyes at these answers, which read very brochure-y. But I think it's worth looking into, considering how much chronic stress actually affects your brain. And some of its effects can lead to a downward spiral in thinking and eventually depression.
This is particularly useful to me as my body is so stressed out nearly all the time. It's constantly being agitated by pain making it impossible to sleep. When I lack sleep, I become more irritable and irrational and the cycle of stress continues. I think it just helps me feel like no - the brain fog, the memory loss, the inability to concentrate and learn aren't me. It's what's happening to me.
Stress Management:
So for people with chronic pain or physical disabilities, I think anything that reduces that pain - heating pads, cooling pads, pain meds, stretches, massages, can help. Low impact exercise and meditation will help. Calming Tea. Essential oil diffuser (Yes, I know it's not the cure to cancer).
If anyone has additional solutions for managing stress, don't be shy to include them in your reply to this thread.
Without further ado, How Stress Affects Your Brain (4 mins):
Summary:
Apparently chronic stress can affect brain size, it's structure and how it functions. Electric signals in your hippocampus, that which is associated with learning memories and stress control, deteriorates. It inhibits the activity of the HPA axis which weakens your ability to control your stress. It further shrinks the prefrontal cortex which regulates behaviors like concentration, decision making and social interaction.
Some talk about genetics and rats.
The guy with the generic voice concludes at the end that the most powerful combatants of stress (and the effects of cortisol on your brain) is Exercise & Meditation.
Thoughts:
At an earlier stage in my illness, I would have rolled my eyes at these answers, which read very brochure-y. But I think it's worth looking into, considering how much chronic stress actually affects your brain. And some of its effects can lead to a downward spiral in thinking and eventually depression.
This is particularly useful to me as my body is so stressed out nearly all the time. It's constantly being agitated by pain making it impossible to sleep. When I lack sleep, I become more irritable and irrational and the cycle of stress continues. I think it just helps me feel like no - the brain fog, the memory loss, the inability to concentrate and learn aren't me. It's what's happening to me.
Stress Management:
So for people with chronic pain or physical disabilities, I think anything that reduces that pain - heating pads, cooling pads, pain meds, stretches, massages, can help. Low impact exercise and meditation will help. Calming Tea. Essential oil diffuser (Yes, I know it's not the cure to cancer).
If anyone has additional solutions for managing stress, don't be shy to include them in your reply to this thread.
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