The stress it is a disorder that can profoundly affect our health and well-being, it is not just a natural reaction to life’s challenges, Professor Georgios Chrousos proclaims in his new book.
The planet is in a state of constant tension, says the stress professor. Economic crises, pandemics and wars have left their mark on every aspect of human life, with the effects being particularly felt in interpersonal relationships.
The -almost daily now- incidents of domestic violence that shock and shock Greek society are tragic manifestations of a chronic problem: the stress that accumulates and leads to outbursts of anger, fear and despair, points out the Professor of Medicine EKPA, head of the UNESCO Adolescent Health and of Medicine and President of the Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Mr. George Chrousos.
He is one of the most internationally recognized scientists in endocrinology with a huge research project on the pathology of stress.
Speaking to iatropedia.gr he himself describes it “Chronic Stress and Inflammation Syndrome”which he was the first to talk about in the scientific community.
“It took me 40 years to understand that stress is not just a psychological reaction, but a serious disease that consumes humanity,” he says characteristically. And it explains how chronic stress stimulates mechanisms of aggression, fear and resignation, turning our everyday life into a field of conflict.
From the family home to school classrooms and professional relationships, the implications are everywhere, he points out.
“The man who comes home and uses violence against his partner or his child is not in his right mind,” he says and links this behavior to the exhaustion caused by chronic stress. It is a vicious circle that has been dramatically reinforced by the economic crisis, the isolation of the pandemic and the uncertainty brought by geopolitical conflicts, he explains.
“Man is in a state of anger and aggression and does not know what is wrong with him. So are the kids at school. This is chronic stress. And finally it took me 40 years to understand that things are simple. Because no one examines everything together,” he says.
At the same time, Professor Chroussos highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding and holistic treatment of stress, even by the medical community.
“When I lectured the internists, what I was telling them seemed new to them, while they see patients all day. Because no one examines the causes behind human behavior as a whole,” he notes.
The “stressed brain” reacts to the threat
The Professor reveals how the three normal responses of the human brain to situations of threat (fight, flight and freeze), under the influence of chronic stress, can develop into chronic behaviors with disastrous consequences.
“Fight, flight and freeze are basic instincts that humans share with other animals. However, when stress becomes chronic, these mechanisms no longer function as temporary reactions, but lead to prolonged states of anger (aggression and violence), fear (anxiety and withdrawal) and resignation (passivity),” he points out.
The professor adds that the long-term socio-economic crises have led society to violent behaviors that are now becoming more and more frequent, as chronic stress pushes people to “bring out their bad selves”, as he says and adds that chronic stress is not just an individual case, but a collective problem that requires a lot of attention and a new approach.
Georgios Chrousos: What is Chronic Stress and Inflammation Syndrome
Chronic stress is responsible for a multitude of pathological manifestations and diseases, which occur due to the “vulnerability” that develops through stress and depression.
Mr. Chrousos explains the mechanism to us:
“Stress over time causes a syndrome, which I have described to humanity and it will pass because it is right: This is the Syndrome of Chronic Stress and Inflammation. When you have chronic stress, stress hormones and inflammation hormones increase. Thus, stress causes discomfort and the brain is slowly destroyed. And when you have discomfort, you acquire a vulnerability and develop stress and depression.”
Each of us has various genetic and epigenetic vulnerabilities, emphasizes the scientist. So when someone has chronic stress they will manifest these weaknesses.
“Those who are prone to autoimmunity will develop some autoimmune disease. Those prone to allergies develop allergies, those prone to depression become depressed, those prone to taking drugs and substances take drugs and substances,” says the Professor, who describes the syndrome in detail, in his book “The stress in our lives”.
This is essentially the anthology of updated articles he wrote and published in the press during the coronavirus pandemic. His study at that time extended to specific diseases:
“Chronic stress can lead to diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes and autoimmune diseases. The body, when in a constant state of stress, secretes increased levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. It’s something that negatively affects the immune system in the long run,” explains the professor.
“Even psychological disorders such as depression and generalized anxiety disorder are linked to the body’s inability to effectively manage stress.”
Under the regime of extreme stress, many people live in a constant state of “fight or flight”, as the Professor describes.
This constant stimulation of the body can exhaust the body’s natural defenses, making it vulnerable to pathogenic microorganisms, but also increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease.
The difference between good and bad stress
The professor emphasizes that there is an important distinction between good stress (eustress) and bad stress (distress).
“Good stress is what motivates us to achieve goals, to respond to challenges. It is what gives us the sense of satisfaction when we succeed. On the other hand, bad stress is chronic, exhausting and traps us in a vicious cycle of negative effects.”
Stress can trigger, not only pathological, but also psychosomatic symptoms, such as headaches, muscle pains and gastrointestinal disorders. These symptoms are often misinterpreted as purely physical problems, when in fact the cause is in the central nervous system.
“An important factor is recognizing this connection and addressing the underlying stress,” he notes.
Regarding the future of scientific research, the professor noted that the study of the effect of stress at the genetic level and the development of new drugs to better regulate stress hormones are some of the most exciting fields of research.
“Science is constantly advancing, and I believe that in the future we will have more personalized approaches to managing stress.”
Tips for managing stress
Professor Chroussos gives practical advice on dealing with stress. He states that there are many methods that can contribute to its reduction. These are the following:
- Exercise: “Physical activity is one of the most effective methods for reducing stress. It improves cortisol regulation and releases endorphins, also known as “hormones of happiness””
- Relaxation techniques: “Yoga, meditation and breathing exercises are scientifically proven methods for reducing stress. They work directly on the nervous system, helping to achieve calmness.”
- Social support: “Connecting with friends and building a support network is critical. Loneliness can worsen stress levels”
- Adjusting the diet: “A balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids, can enhance stress regulation.”
He gives special importance to psychotherapy, but also to everything else that “heals our soul”, as he says.
“Man should do anything to help himself fight stress. To go to the Museum, to go for a walk in the countryside, in the mountains or at the sea, or even in the park of his neighborhood. All this helps. Or learning to meditate, twice a quarter of an hour each day, is often enough. If something more is needed, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) works extremely well,” emphasizes Mr. Gold.
And the expert concludes: “Stress is part of life. We can’t avoid it, but we can learn to manage it. Self-awareness, adaptability and seeking help when we need it are the keys to living a more balanced life.”
Source: iatropedia.gr