Stay Calm, Stress Can Kill Brain Cells

The researchers of the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago, found that a single episode of severe stress could kill new nerve cells in the brain. In the study published in the Journal of Neurosciences, the researchers said their finding might provide a new insight into the development of depression. Researching on rats, they found that cells were lost in hippocampus, an area of the brain which processes learning, memory and emotion.

The researchers found that in young rats the stress of encountering aggressive, older rats did not stop the generation of new nerve cells in hippocampus. However, it did prevent the cells from surviving — leaving fewer new neurons for processing feelings and emotions. The hippocampus is one of the two regions of the brain that keeps on developing new nerve cells, both in rats and humans.

What more does the study reveal?

The researchers said the loss of cells could be one cause of depression and treatment could be given accordingly. Said Dr Jitendra Nagpal, senior psychiatrist, VIMHANS, New Delhi: “The brain has a certain cognitive capacity and the capacity to internalise and externalise stress. When there is an overload of information, it damages the nerves and the brain cells get depleted. The nerves also undergo chronic fatigue due to overworking and this can cause further damage. Brain cells also need to go through the cyclic rest-and-work period. If one is constantly feeding information to the brain, without rest, damage is inevitable.”

Stress and other ailments

Stress and health are closely linked. It is well known that stress can induce risky body-mind disorders. Immediate disorders such as spells of dizziness, anxiety, tension, sleeplessness, nervousness and muscle cramps can all result in chronic health problems. In the long run they may also affect our immune, cardiovascular and nervous systems.

“Stress is known to worsen many immune-related medical conditions, including diabetes. Cortisol produced during stress situations may suppress the body’s immune response, increasing one’s susceptibility to infectious diseases,” said Nagpal.

Keep stress at bay

Here is a list of dos and don’ts to beat stress Physical exercise is important to keep stress away. It can be a walk in the park, yoga or meditation.

Have a healthy and balanced diet and drink lots of fluids. Eat fresh fruit and green vegetables.

Communicate with people who matter. Do your own emotional auditing. Give vent to your stress.Don’t indulge in high-risk behaviour.Try to calm your nerves.