Stress has permanent effects
Stress can have many detrimental effects, but a new study has shown that it can physically change the shape of the brain, and cause long-term damage, reports the Guardian.
Various studies carried out on laboratory mice showed that, after being exposed to loud rock music, being restrained, or being deprived of food and water the size of the learning and memory area of the brain decreased by up to 3%. It’s thought that there are similar results in humans when suffering from stress for long periods of time, including brain cells diminishing, explaining why some people struggle with their memory in stressful situations.
More worryingly, stress in expectant mothers can transfer to their unborn child, affecting the way the child regulates their emotions and makes decisions.