The Body's Stress Response

The human body responds to stress with a complex hormonal cascade. In chronic dis-stress - as can occur in distressing relationships - this has far-reaching consequences for body and psyche.

The Stress Axis (HPA Axis)

Activation in Danger

In the thalamus, the nerve pathways from the sensory organs converge. In danger, it activates the emotional guardian, the amygdala (almond-shaped body).

The activation chain:

Thalamus → Amygdala → Hypothalamus → CRH → Pituitary → ACTH → Adrenal glands → Cortisol

What Does HPA Stand For?

HPA stands for:

• Hypothalamus (hormone = CRH)
• Pituitary (hormone = ACTH)
• Adrenal cortex (hormone = glucocorticoids/cortisol)

---

What Is Activated During Stress

When the stress axis is activated, the following processes are simplified set in motion:

System	Response
Hormones	Adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol are released
Metabolism	Blood sugar level rises (gluconeogenesis/sugar burning)
Cardiovascular	Blood pressure rises, sympathetic nervous system activated
Thyroid	Function increases, resulting in higher nerve conduction speed
Immune system	T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes (phagocytes) activated
Digestion	Energy is throttled
Basic needs	Hunger, thirst, sex drive are downregulated
Muscles	Burn fatty acids instead of sugar

Hormonal Cascade

In principle, an entire hormonal cascade is set in motion. Cortisol acts as the antagonist of adrenaline and tries to downregulate it.

---

Consequences of Chronic Dis-Stress

Anyone can calculate what happens in the body during:

• Prolonged dis-stress
• Or dis-stress occurring in rapid succession

On the Immune System

The immune system collapses sooner or later, as the defense cells eventually can no longer fight existing invaders.

In chronic relationship stress, these “invaders” are immunologically not actually present. The immune system instead turns against “imaginary” invaders - its own cells. In other words: it destroys itself and subsequently the lymphatic system.

On the Hippocampus

An excessively prolonged elevated cortisol level damages the hippocampus. This structure is indispensable for conscious recall of situations.

Memory Damage

Damage to the hippocampus often leads to prolonged memory gaps - just as in post-traumatic stress disorder. Further symptoms: sleep disturbances, uncontrolled flashbacks, inner restlessness, inability to connect chaotic memory fragments.

---

Organ-Specific Effects

Brain and Nerve Cells

• Certain cytokines destroy nerve cells
• Excessively prolonged elevated cortisol levels destroy parts of the hippocampus
• Memory performance is reduced

Pancreas

Cortisol reduces the effectiveness of insulin. Chronic elevation is interpreted by the body as insulin deficiency:

1. Islet cells produce more and more insulin
2. They become exhausted
3. Result: Diabetes

Gastrointestinal Tract

Noradrenaline constricts the blood vessels of the digestive organs, resulting in fewer immune cells in the gastrointestinal tract.

Possible consequences:

• Diarrhea
• Pancreatitis
• Gastrointestinal ulcers
• Increased cancer risk

Musculature

• Muscle cells respond less to insulin
• Burn fatty acids instead
• Increasingly consume muscle protein
• Muscles shrink
• Neck muscles are permanently activated

Blood Vessels

Chronically elevated blood pressure damages the blood vessels:

1. White blood cells increasingly adhere to inner walls
2. Inflammation develops
3. Clumps block the bloodstream
4. Consequences: Arteriosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes

Reproductive Organs

Cortisol inhibits testosterone-progesterone synthesis. The regulatory circuit of gonadal hormones is massively disrupted.

Possible consequences:

• Impotence
• Fewer or dead sperm
• Menstrual irregularities
• Increased cancer risk

---

The Immune System Under Stress

Normal Function

(1) Immune cells originate in the bone marrow:

• B-lymphocytes
• Precursors migrate to the thymus, where they become T-lymphocytes
• Phagocytes distribute throughout the entire bloodstream

(2) Phagocytes produce messenger substances (cytokines) that activate T-lymphocytes. These divide and mature into helper and killer cells.

(3) Helper cells release further messenger substances that stimulate B-lymphocytes to transform into antibody-producing plasma cells.

Disruption by Cortisol

(4) Elevated cortisol level:

• Inhibits cytokine synthesis
• Blocks further steps in the body’s defense
• Directly inhibits the lymphatic system

---

Stress in Borderline Relationships

The Connection

In a distressing relationship, you have more dis-stress than eu-stress. This leads to a permanently elevated cortisol level, especially after the first third of the relationship.

Typical Symptoms

You may have noticed that from approximately the last two-thirds of such a relationship onward, you increasingly suffer from memory gaps. This is due to the excessively prolonged elevated cortisol level damaging the hippocampus.

Parallels to PTSD

The psychological and biochemical burden in a dysfunctional relationship can indeed be equated with post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Good News

The memory gaps will pass - provided you do not fall into the relapse trap or enter a similarly distressing relationship.

---

Further Stress Consequences

In their totality, the consequences are clear:

• Depression
• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Altered biochemical metabolism
• Often social withdrawal

Important to Know

Your body sends you clear signals. Chronic exhaustion, frequent infections, digestive problems or concentration difficulties can be indicators of chronic dis-stress. Take these signals seriously and seek professional support.

---

Summary

Area	Short-Term Stress	Chronic Dis-Stress
Immune system	Activated	Collapses
Cortisol	Regulates adrenaline	Damages hippocampus
Memory	Normal	Gaps, flashbacks
Organs	Short-term adaptation	Long-term damage
Psyche	Increased attention	Depression, exhaustion

The stress response is fundamentally a vital protective mechanism. It only becomes problematic when the stress becomes chronic and the body no longer has recovery phases.