The LIGHT Center, T-90, College of the Redwoods (476-4290) - December 4, 2000

A couple of weeks ago one of you fine folks took the time to call me and ask about the chemical and biochemical changes that take place in the body when we are placed in a stressful situation. That got me thinking about how little most of us know about that really happens inside our bodies when we get angry, stressed, or emotionally upset. We certainly know how we feel, but seldom know what factors might be creating our perception of feeling. It brought back something I learned a long time ago, but had filed away somewhere. The humanists among us are going to cringe. All feelings come from the brain and they are chemically induced. Based on this premise, I began my investigation.

The key ingredients when considering stress levels and biochemical body changes are neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that either increase or decrease impulses sent to the brain. They are also involved in the communication of brain cells with one another. As the neurotransmitter levels fluctuate, it results in changes in our body and in our behavior. Thankfully, there are a finite number of these neurotransmitters involved in the stress experience.

Any type of stress results in the reduction of Opioid levels. One type of opioid that is likely familiar is "endorphin". When the opioid levels fall, a sense of urgency develops in the individual. The individual can then manifest this urgency in increased levels of irritability, ease of becoming angry, and loss of temper. Interestingly, a relief of these feelings is often sought through alcohol and drug use. An artificial opioid, tetrehydroisoquinoline is found in alcohol. Opiates such as heroin and morphine result in a similar relief from the feelings of anger.

Dopamine levels automatically increase when opioid levels are low. Increase dopamine results in feelings of alertness and anxiety. If the increased level is protracted, emotional fatigue can result. The "rush" that is felt when dopamine is released is in fact biochemically similar to the feeling one gets with small doses of cocaine.

Depressed opioid levels also cause a reduction in GABA levels. This then results in an increase in norepinephrine. An increase in norepinephrine results in a quick emotional response such as anger, and discourages logical thinking. It also results in an increase in adrenaline, causing increased heard rate and an increased stress on the cardiovascular system. It diverts oxygen from the functional organs of the body and sends it to the muscles. If unchecked, high blood pressure and stroke can result. Low GABA levels also decreases the levels of Serotonin. Serotonin in a sleep enabling agent, and when it is depleted, it is difficult for the individual to sleep. Depressed serotonin levels then result in even lower opioid levels, creating a cycle of stress that is difficult from which to emerge.

Comments? mailto:trish-blair@redwoods.edu

Perhaps this gives an inkling into how complex the neurology surrounding how we respond to stress really is. The examples provided on the left are simplified considerably. The interaction of the neurotransmitters fluctuates constantly, and therefore, our behavior also changes. For those people who have chronic illnesses, or who are on medication for some condition can expect those factors to further complicate the complex interaction that is taking place in our bodies.

It is important that we "learn to read" our own neurology and be at least "braced for" our own behavior. Personally I can tell when my own neurology is "off". I call those "bad neurology days". You know, the days you can't pull out the name of the person you are talking to, you spill your coffee, and no matter how hard you try you can't figure out how to make something work that you used only the day before.

If we know how to read our bodies, as well as know what effects stress can have on us both physically and emotionally, we are better equipped to deal with it. We are less often surprised by our outburst or temper loss. We are less startled at our own aggressiveness in a frustrating situation. Good general health, healthy eating habits, good sleeping schedules, and time away from the stressful person or situation can always help in enabling one to gain some perspective and control. Remember what is actually going on in your body or someone else's when engaged in a disagreement.

-Princess Anne-