How Stress and Depression Affects Your Brain

* * * How to Fight Depression * * *

There are those that are convinced that stress affects your emotional and your physical well-being. In fact, there are those that state depression actually shrinks the brain.

Signs of depression

Did you know that God does not want you stressed out. God always gives us a way out. He has said in 1Peter 5:7, Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. You will see much negativity in the world. Therefore it is important for Christians to renew our minds daily. Romans 12:2, Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

1. What You Can Do

According to Melanie Greenberg, PH.D of Psychology today, major life events such as job loss or sexual abuse damage the mood center, thus decreasing the brain so it does not bounce back as readily. In addition, she suggests that Yoga, meditation or prayer can activate your relaxation response, which will lower your heart rate and blood pressure. I personally know that prayer can be very relaxing for me.

Can you think of life events that you have faced throughout your life? Some events I can readily think of might include problems with finances, retirement, going back to school, a divorce, loss of a loved one, major illness, loss of a job, and I also know there are many more that are not on this list. One thing I know about praying, is that you can pray just about any time. You do not need an appointment to pray. So often, we take for granted the power of prayer. I recall asking a dear friend to pray with me as we walked in the parking lot of her workplace. To my amazement she stopped right in the middle of the parking lot and prayed. I will never forget that moment, because many times you may tell others you will pray and you may forget to do so.

2. Stress shrinks the brain

I can easily see why stress or depression could shrink the brain. According to news.menshealth.com, researchers have found stress causes the release of cortisol the stress hormone. They further add over a period of time high levels of this hormone reduce the volume of the brain, affecting the hippocampus which plays a central role in learning and memory.

I can easily see this causing brain overload and shrinking of that brain. The brain can only take so much, it is not a machine. It needs to rest. I have often heard this. 

3. After Depression and Stress

CNN talks about a lady that was treated with electrodes inside of the brain for her depression. Afterwards, she described her mood as seeing the room and colors brighter. I have talked to others that were being treated for depression. Some of them described that same feeling as they started to feel better. In fact, one patient was taking Wellbutrin. He referred to his Wellbutrin pill as the “happy pill.”

4. Other Alternatives to alleviate stress and depression

Start relieving your stress, by exercise, getting plenty of rest, laughing, talking to someone about it, seeking professional help, and making a conscious effort to eat nutritional food.

Photo Caption: Pixabay

Source:

1 Peter 5:7

Romans 12:2

Psychologytoday.com,The Mindful Self-Express, Melanie Greenberg, PH.D. , How to Prevent Stress from Shrinking Your Brain, August 12, 2012

How Stress Can Shrink Your Brain and 6 Ways to Keep it from Happening.

Treating depression with electrodes inside the brain, Dr. Sanjay Gupta andAndy Segal, CNN, April 14, 2012

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