Just as hormones govern many chemical functions in the body, the brain’s functions are governed by neurotransmitters. A neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger used by neurons (nerve cells) to communicate with other neurons. It is how the brain communicates with itself and the rest of the body. Communication between neurons is accomplished by the recognition of a receptor for a specific chemical messenger; picture an egg (neurotransmitter) in an egg cup (receptor).

Every day trillions (yes - trillions) of messages are sent and received between the brain’s cells. These messages are carried by these chemical messengers via the brain’s biogenic Amine/Endorphin System. Every thought, feeling and experience we are aware of requires the interaction of these amazing brain chemicals. Neurotransmitters work with neuroreceptors in our brains and produce these feelings, experiences and thoughts!

Chronic stress causes problems with the body’s neurotransmitter production. When too much stress is placed on a person, eventually the individual’s neurotransmitters begin to fail. That is, the quantity of neurotransmitters change; they become out of balance and, as the stress continues, the neurotransmitters become depleted, unable to carry out their important functions.

When that happens, the all-important neural nerve centers receive distorted messages. Subjectively, what this means for us is that we enter a state of brain chemical imbalance and experience this imbalance as our stress symptoms. There are many possible symptoms you may experience due to this chemical imbalance.

The most common are fatigue, aches and pains, crying spells, depression, anxiety and panic attacks, insomnia, involuntary trembling of the body, poor concentration, tension headaches, cramps and diarrhea, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, thyroid gland malfunction, high blood pressure, heart attack, abnormal heart beat, stroke, cold fingers, itchy skin rashes and decreased resistance to infections.

As you can imagine, this chemical imbalance makes you feel awful and these feelings are often overwhelming. Do any of these symptoms sound familiar? (By the way, if you experience any of these you must see your healthcare provider to investigate the cause of the symptoms which can, of course, be caused by illness other than stress.)

So, simply put, these common complaints are of:
• Being tired, unable to fall asleep or to stay asleep.
• General aches and pains and lack of energy.
• A definite loss of enjoyment of life.
• Feeling depressed, anxious and unable to cope with life.

According to the American Psychological Association’s online help center:
• 43% of all adults suffer adverse health effects from stress.
• 75 – 90% of all physician office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints.