Protecting Your Brain From Stress—NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies Mini Symposium Series

Presented by the Wolfe Brain Health Initiative, and in partnership with the U-M Frances and Kenneth Eisenberg and Family Depression Center and the Department of Psychiatry.

The Greek philosopher Epictetus said: “There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.” This is easy enough in theory but putting this into practice is a very different story. 

 In fact, 77% of Americans report that they regularly experience physical symptoms of stress, and 73% experience psychological symptoms (American Psychological Association). That is just the beginning of many problems stress can cause in every aspect of our lives.  

This begs the question: Why does this happen and what can we do?

Key Takeaways:

  1. Chronic stress has physical effects on the brain, including blunted neurotransmitter release and chronic inflammation.
  2. Stress can literally age a person.
  3. Genes affect how we respond to risk factors for depression.
  4. To combat stress: consider the benefits of in-person activities, keep moving, and stay up-to-date, but don't fixate.
  5. Don't give in to guilt, express yourself and give yourself, and others, some grace.

Extra Resources from Our Speakers

Psychiatry Resources for COVID-19 (link is external)
Mindfulness & Managing Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic (link is external)
Life Strategies & Stress Management (link is external)