Chronic stress has turned out to be one of the leading neurological threats among young adults today though it does so silently. The pressure to learn, the strain of financial difficulties, the competition of working conditions, and social comparison and a digital load are transforming the mind of an entire generation. The neurological side effects are not usually realized until they appear under the guise of chronic issues.
The sustained stress provokes a constant stimulation of the HPA axis, which increases the levels of cortisol to a completely uncontrollable extent of the brain. This interferes with neural circuits involved with memory, emotional control, decision making, and concentration in the long run. There is structural and functional changes in key brain regions including the hippocampus, amygdala and the prefrontal cortex both in cognition and behaviour.
The symptoms of brain fog, forgetfulness, irritability, sleeping disorders, low motivation, and low concentration can be observed in young adults due to chronic stress. Research demonstrates that sustained stress levels have the ability to decrease neuroplasticity, impair learning ability, increase anxiety, and predispose one to depression. In the long-term, it leads to impaired premature cognitive development and disturbed stress reactions.
The fact that this issue is subtle is of particular concern. associated with stress will weaken the human brain and the body silently and may be dismissed as tiredness or burn out. Many youths do not realize that they are experiencing the symptoms and push themselves until they explode.
The only solution to this escalating crisis is to give psychological well-being a top priority by following healthier habits, sleep hygiene, digital limits, stress-reduction measures, counselling assistance, and workplace or school changes. It is very important to protect the brain in early adulthood- since it is life-long cognitive health years.
Do you believe stressed-young experts are being under-valued or does the society simply accept burnout as adult life?
MBH/PS