How our brain reacts to stress
Our genes and our environment have an equally decisive influence on how we deal with situations that put us on alert, says psychologist Nicole Strüber.
Mrs Strüber, what happens in the brain when we get upset?
Two systems are activated: the anxiety system and the stress system. Both produce messenger substances that increase the pulse and blood pressure, accelerate breathing and increase the consumption of blood sugar. Stress hormones that are released boost the performance of the brain centres and increase our alertness and motivation. They are also responsible for making us angry and upset.
Can our brain distinguish between important incidents and trivial matters?
Not at first. If something happens, there is a rapid stress reaction. At first, the brain doesn't care whether a glass clatters to the floor from the table or a fire breaks out in the neighbouring flat: it triggers a state of alert. While in the first case we normally calm down quickly and sweep up the broken pieces, in the second case there is a prolonged stress reaction. This releases the hormone cortisol. Now the message is: Something is absolutely important here! Act quickly without thinking about it for long. Concentrate and work with tunnel vision to eliminate the stress!
What role do messenger substances and hormones play in the success of self-soothing?
Messenger substances and hormones that promote self-soothing dock onto their designated binding sites in the brain structures according to the lock-and-key principle. This process curbs activity. The stress hormone cortisol plays an important role in this process. It has two abilities: Firstly, it boosts brain performance - and can then have the exact opposite effect, namely calming down the entire system and ultimately stopping its own production again. Serotonin also helps by calming the brain centres that are responsible for brooding about the situation. Only when serotonin has an effect on the relevant areas can we concentrate on everyday life again.
How great is a person's genetic influence and predisposition in relation to their reaction to stress?
Genes and experience are equally decisive for this. Genes are responsible for how well the messenger substances and hormones work, how effectively they are produced and whether they are quickly removed and broken down. Our experiences also influence the function of the messenger substances and hormones. They have an effect on which genes are used and which are switched off via a so-called epigenetic process. This is why all the excitement and calming down works differently for each person.
