Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes

1060-How Stress Alters Hormones, Neurotransmitters & Mental Health

Listen Later

I. Introduction to Stress and Its Impact

  • Stress affects the body's hormonal and neurotransmitter systems.
  • Chronic stress can lead to significant mental health challenges.​

    • II. Hormonal Responses to Stress

    • Cortisol:
    • Known as the "stress hormone," it increases in response to stress.
    • Elevated cortisol levels can impair memory and cognitive functions.


      • Adrenaline and Noradrenaline:
      • These hormones prepare the body for "fight or flight" responses.
      • Prolonged elevation can lead to anxiety and sleep disturbances.

        • III. Neurotransmitter Alterations


        • Serotonin:
        • Chronic stress can decrease serotonin levels, contributing to depression.


          • Dopamine:
          • Stress can disrupt dopamine pathways, affecting motivation and pleasure.


            • GABA:
            • Reduced GABA activity under stress can lead to increased anxiety.

              • IV. Mental Health Consequences


              • Persistent stress is linked to disorders such as depression and anxiety.
              • Stress can exacerbate symptoms in individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions.


                • V. Strategies for Mitigating Stress Effects


                • Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:
                • Practices like meditation can lower stress hormone levels.


                  • Physical Activity:
                  • Regular exercise helps regulate neurotransmitter levels.


                    • Social Support:
                    • Engaging with supportive communities can buffer stress impacts.



                      • 00:00:00 Overview of the Autonomic Nervous System and Hormonal Functions

                      00:10:41 How to Boost Oxytocin for Connection

                      00:22:25 Understanding Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome

                      00:32:50 The Impact of Stress on Hormones and Sleep

                      00:43:35 Hormonal Changes During and After Breastfeeding

                      00:54:39 Understanding Glutamate and Anxiety

                      01:05:03 Nutrient Absorption Challenges in Digestive Disorders

                      01:15:17 Coping with Chronic Pain: Strategies and Emotional Impact

                      01:30:34 Understanding the Stress Response and Its Biological Mechanisms

                      01:41:01 Overcoming Arachnophobia with Systematic Desensitization

                      01:51:19 Chronic Stress and Neurotransmitter Imbalance

                      02:01:40 Understanding Autoimmune Issues and Inflammation

                      02:11:43 Understanding Cortisol Sensitivity and PTSD

                      02:22:34 Understanding PCOS and Stress Connection

                      02:33:43 Understanding Circadian Rhythms and Sleep

                      02:43:29 Coping with Stress and Evaluating Threats

                      02:53:18 Managing Stress Response for Healing

                      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

                      ...more
                      View all episodesView all episodes
                      Download on the App Store
                      Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipesBy Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes
                      • 4.7
                      • 4.7
                      • 4.7
                      • 4.7
                      • 4.7

                      4.7

                      579 ratings

                      More shows like Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes

                      View all
                      The Trauma Therapist by Guy Crawford Macpherson

                      The Trauma Therapist

                      535 Listeners

                      Therapy Chat by Laura Reagan, LCSW-C

                      Therapy Chat

                      673 Listeners

                      Counselling Tutor by Ken Kelly and Rory Lees-Oakes

                      Counselling Tutor

                      118 Listeners

                      Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson by Rick Hanson, Ph.D., Forrest Hanson

                      Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

                      2,402 Listeners

                      Therapist Uncensored Podcast by Sue Marriott LCSW, CGP & Ann Kelley PhD

                      Therapist Uncensored Podcast

                      1,371 Listeners

                      Feeling Good Podcast | TEAM-CBT - The New Mood Therapy by David Burns, MD

                      Feeling Good Podcast | TEAM-CBT - The New Mood Therapy

                      836 Listeners

                      The Couples Therapist Couch by Shane Birkel

                      The Couples Therapist Couch

                      258 Listeners

                      Attachment Theory in Action by The Knowledge Center

                      Attachment Theory in Action

                      156 Listeners

                      Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast by David Puder, M.D.

                      Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast

                      1,315 Listeners

                      Light Up The Couch by Clearly Clinical

                      Light Up The Couch

                      318 Listeners

                      The Healing Trauma Podcast by Monique Koven

                      The Healing Trauma Podcast

                      433 Listeners

                      Trauma Rewired by Jennifer Wallace & Elisabeth Kristof

                      Trauma Rewired

                      312 Listeners

                      Complex Trauma Recovery by Kina Penelope

                      Complex Trauma Recovery

                      175 Listeners

                      Psychology Unplugged by Dr. Corey J. Nigro

                      Psychology Unplugged

                      690 Listeners

                      Adult Child by Andrea

                      Adult Child

                      1,781 Listeners