promote disease," Cohen says. "When under continuous stress, cells of the immune system are unable to respond properly, and consequently produce levels of inflammation that lead to disease."
Over the past decade, researchers have reevaluated stress's role in depression and brain health, says Huda Akil, professor of neuroscience at the University of Michigan. While it is often triggered by a stress-inducing episode, depression eventually "takes on a life of its own," she says. Stress throws several brain neurotransmitter systems — such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine — out of balance, negatively affecting mood, appetite, sleep and libido. Some severely depressed people have permanently elevated cortisol levels, which can eventually
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Not all stressful experiences are harmeful. Scientists use the term eustress to describe positive stress. Situations that might produce eustress include, riding a roller coaster, successfully competing in an actividy, passing a driving test, playing in the school band, and meeting new people. Eustress helps make your life more enjoyable, by helping you meet challenges and do your best.
According to Seaward (2006) Eustress is good stress and arises in any situation or circumstance that a person finds motivating or inspiring. Falling in love might be an example of eustress; meeting a movie star or professional athlete may also be an example of eustress. Usually situations that are classified as eustress are enjoyable and for this reason are not considered to be a threat.
While stress is often associated with negative affect and distress, it can include “good stress” which is based on external and internal stimuli that are mild/moderately challenging but limited in duration and results in cognitive and behavioral responses that generate a sense of mastery and accomplishment, and can be perceived as pleasant and exciting.1,3,6,7 Such situations rely on adequate motivational and executive functioning to achieve goal-directed outcomes and