
"Chronic toxic stress alters danger perception, leading to maladaptive behaviors. Stress that happens in infancy or early childhood, when our brains are being built, has the greatest likelihood of causing lasting harm."
"Positive stress, the mild or brief stress of doing things for the first time, is a frequent and necessary occurrence. It helps us grow and develop new strengths and skills."
"Tolerable stress is exposure to a greater threat or adversity, such as the death of a loved one or a natural disaster. Talking with others after such events helps us to calm our stress response."
Stress varies in type and impact, ranging from positive stress that fosters growth to tolerable stress that can be managed with support. Toxic stress, however, is detrimental, especially in childhood, as it leads to chronic activation of the stress response without support, harming brain development and altering danger perception. This can result in maladaptive behaviors and long-term consequences for mental health. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for addressing stress effectively and supporting healthy development.
Read at Psychology Today
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