New research on stress by Doctor Mark Alkema, a professor of neuroscience, has revealed some of the long term effects of stress on our organism.
The publication has shed light on the way “fight or flight” reactions impact the biological balance in our bodies.
In collaboration with colleagues from the National University of South in Argentina, Dr. Alkema set out to test the increased release of stress hormones like adrenaline on a species known as C. elegans.
His findings revealed that increased exposure to stress hormones might lead to a weakening in the immune system, and the overall stability of the organism.
According to Dr. Alekma, the heightened exposure to abrupt or constant stress factors drastically shortens the lifespan of C. elegans. Unfortunately, the same might be true for people as well, as stress is proven to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
While this new research on stress was performed on much simpler organisms than the human body, the findings reveal underlying connections between the type of stress endured and the reaction of the body.
Research on stress might help students
Students are one of the most stressed out groups in our population. The immense pressure and anxiety they experience as a result of busy school schedules and pending exams often cause mental health issues.
A worrying statistic revealed that more than thirty percent (30%) of students in South Korea had experienced suicidal thoughts, as a result of school-related anxiety.
The revelations put forward by Dr. Alkema’s new research on stress are another cause for worry, as this possibly means that not only the mental health of students might be in danger.
Schools and governments should make an effort to recognize the increasing amount of students with mental health problems caused by the intensity of their schoolwork. Not only that, but educational institutions need to provide children with adequate care and support and help them get through such daunting periods.
