How Stress-Related Brain Inflammation is Linked to Depression
In today's fast-paced world, stress feels almost unavoidable. From juggling work, relationships, and personal goals, our minds often bear the brunt of it all. But what if the weight of that stress goes beyond just mental fatigue? Science is now uncovering how chronic stress can inflame the brain, potentially leading to depression. The Science Behind It When we experience stress, our body activates its natural defense mechanism—the fight-or-flight response. This triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone designed to help us respond to immediate threats. While short bursts of cortisol can be beneficial, chronic stress leads to prolonged cortisol release, which can disrupt brain function. Recent studies reveal that prolonged stress can cause inflammation in the brain, particularly in areas responsible for mood regulation, such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. This inflammation is believed to interfere with neurotransmitter activity (like serotonin and dopamine), crucial pl...