Chronic Stress and the Brain

O My Soul:

Is it possible for chronic stress to take on a life of its own?

Yes, says this New York Times article on chronic stress and the brain.

I experienced several years of high stress. Some of that stress was my ravage idealism. Some of that stress was placed on me by several others. I said no to both only rarely, but when I needed rest I was able to get it.

Then something changed. My environment changed. The stress load was reduced. However, I couldn't calm down. I could not rest. Chronic stress became normal. My brain changed.

Now it takes hard work to relax. I schedule downtimes. I take medication. I'm learning how to live without chronic stress. I feel like I'm learning to walk for the first time.

-oms