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January 09, 2025 08:36 PM IST
A study has shown that stress has an effect on memory formation and how it can make even harmless things seem disturbing.
Stress triggers the fight, flight or freeze response, as the individual undergoes extreme panic when faced with a threatening situation. In fact, stress is so powerful that it can alter memories, how one remembers an event. This further causes fear to be generalized even to non-threatening situations. A study published in the journal Cell revealed how stress has a significant impact on fear-related memories.
Also read: Pomodoro Technique: How 25 Minutes of Work Can Reduce Your Stress
How stress ruins memories
Researchers examined mice to understand how stress affects memory formation. They played two different sounds for the rats. One sound was followed by a slight shock, which made the memory of that sound frightening, whereas the second sound was followed by no shock. Now the brain remembers the memory to ensure that the distressful situation does not happen again. But when there is too much stress, the brain starts to normalize it.
In the experiment, rats were given so much stress that their memory was affected. Their memories became more generalized as they began to fear other sounds rather than the specific sound that followed the shock.
Researchers found that the endocannabinoid system in the brain helps manage stress. However, too much stress can interfere with the way it works, causing confusion in our memories.
Also read: Feeling stressed while relaxing? This is real. Learn all about stress relaxation
normalization of fear
In the same way that rats generalized sounds and could not differentiate between a safe sound and a scary sound because their brains were overwhelmed, our memories can also become blurry under stress. When the brain is filled with stress, it cannot clearly differentiate between what is safe and what is dangerous. So later, with distorted memories, people may also begin to think that what is safe is dangerous. Stress makes a person worry about things that may not even be harmful.
Instead of just remembering the dangerous event and being alert, the brain starts generalizing about it. It also causes anxiety about similar things when in reality it is not harmful.
Also read: Stress Management Strategies for a Healthy Brain and Work-Life Balance
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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