Toxic stress is chronic stress that happens when you experience prolonged or repeated exposure to stressful or traumatic events, especially during early childhood when the brain is still developing. This type of stress can be caused by various experiences, such as abuse, neglect, poverty, violence, or chronic illness.
Toxic stress can have significant and long-lasting effects on your physical and mental health. When the body and brain are exposed to prolonged stress, it disrupts the development of critical biological systems, such as the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems. This can increase the risk of developing chronic illnesses later in life, such as heart disease, diabetes, depression, and anxiety.
In children, toxic stress also significantly impacts cognitive development, emotional regulation, and social behavior. It can cause changes in your brain’s structure and function, leading to learning, memory, and attention difficulties. It can also affect your ability to form healthy relationships and manage your emotions, which impacts your behavior and mental health throughout your life.