General Adaption Syndrome

Your mind and body adapt to challenge, but how well?

Endocrinologist Hans Selye discovered similar patterns in both the human and animal reaction to stress. He found that there were three distinct stages of response.

Ideally, after the stress has been dealt with there would be time to recover, relax and repair any physical, or mental damage.

Unfortunately, evolution did not equip us with a mechanism that could cope with the constant pressures of life; we seem unable to switch off and relax, with dire and pathological consequences. Seemingly small stresses can be attacking us all day and without taking the time to recover, relax and repair (no, not chilling in front of the television in the evening) the body can go into a state of dis-ease.

Stage 1: Alarm Reaction (AR)

The alarm is triggered by danger, like a lion
Mobilising defences (fight or flight) and immobilising defences (freeze or hide) are triggered
Depending on the situation, appropriate defences are selected and we are primed for action
This is a very primitive response to danger triggered deep within the brain, controlled unconsciously
Physically, the body increases blood pressure; blood glucose and oxygenation in preparation
Ideally the action taken is sufficient and the predator or threat leaves or is overcome

Stage 2: Stage of Resistance (SR)

If the stressor does not go away (or you are still in a poor quality relationship/job) the resistance increases
Your body needs extra energy to maintain the high alert
The hyper-alert stage prevents quality sleep and lethargy is common place
Hormones and energy reserves are used up while the immune system suffers, dis-ease takes hold
Changes in metabolism and appetite drive weight-gain or weight-loss
Adrenal glands specifically ‘burn out’ due to overproduction of cortisol

Stage 3: Stage of Exhaustion (SE)

After months or even years of stress the body begins to collapse
Unable to maintain the high-alert stage, tissues and energy are depleted
Immune system is suppressed and the heart suffers from continued elevated blood pressure
Mental exhaustion is combined with physical exhaustion, increasing risk of all diseases