Too much cortisol?
In highly sensitive persons (HSP) it frequently leads to adrenaline production. If several adrenaline rushes occur one after another without the body being able to regenerate in between, the body forms cortisol – the "chronic stress hormone," which is actually supposed to mitigate the side effects of increased adrenaline production. Additionally, the hormone mobilizes the last reserves to endure extreme situations.
HSP usually have a higher cortisol level than normal-sensitive people.
Cortisol takes 10-20 minutes to take effect.
Effects of cortisol:
Teeth grinding – Tension – increased anxiety – severe exhaustion – pressure in chest/stomach – heart pain – digestive problems – sleep disturbances – loss of appetite – cravings – headaches – migraines – poor short-term memory – concentration problems …
The breakdown of cortisol takes several hours to days.
A too high cortisol level is also responsible for the "emotional echo" that Highly sensitive people often report. A small trigger situation can cause an unpleasant feeling, a problem thought – sometimes for days – to be present.
A moving film can then result in them being sad for hours.
Is Cortisol continuously released over a longer period, a single adrenaline rush is enough and the body releases cortisol.
The body is then permanently set to "danger".
Prolonged cortisol release = Highly sensitive people at the end of their strength
- Susceptibility to infections
- Eating disorders
- Forgetfulness
- High blood pressure
- Bone and cartilage breakdown
- Sleep disturbances
High cortisol release over several years can result in age-related forgetfulness.
In addition, a high cortisol level reduces serotonin production. Serotonin is our "everything is fine hormone".
A lack of serotonin can lead to a bad mood, and a prolonged lack of serotonin can lead to depression.
A trauma disrupts the stress system, which can also lead to increased or decreased production of Cortisol can lead to. Therefore, the effects are very similar. These effects are called Hypervigilance referred to. Nevertheless, there are some serious differences to the innate High Sensitivity according to Aron's model.
You can find more detailed information on the topic "High Sensitivity and Stress" in this video
So that chronic stress doesn't even occur: In my seminar Live Up – Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People you build up your stress resilience.
