Psychological Stress Changes a Person’s Mood

Psychological Stress Changes a Person’s Mood
The most notable mood changes caused by psychological stress include:

• Depression

Psychological stress is one of the leading causes of depression, as it negatively affects the hormonal system that controls the body’s stress response. When exposed to stress, this system becomes activated, releasing stress-related hormones, most notably cortisol. This leads to shrinkage of the hippocampus — the brain region responsible for emotional regulation — which can ultimately result in depression.
It’s also worth noting that the byproducts of stress hormones cause feelings of drowsiness and fatigue. This explains how stress indeed alters a person’s mood; with chronic stress, these byproducts accumulate, leading to sadness and depression.

• Anxiety

Stress may be accompanied by mild symptoms similar to anxiety, such as nail-biting and restlessness. However, if the stress is chronic, it may lead to severe anxiety symptoms, including:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Nausea
• Sweaty palms
• Fear
• Feelings of helplessness
• A sense of impending doom or death

• Personality Changes

Notable personality and mood changes due to stress include:

• Irritability
• Aggressiveness
• Feelings of frustration
• Neglect of personal care and appearance
• Failure to keep appointments
• Compulsive or obsessive behaviors
• Low productivity and reduced work performance
• Social withdrawal and isolation
• Difficulty communicating with others
• Impulsive behaviors, such as excessive shopping or spending

How to Deal with Mood Changes Caused by Psychological Stress
Now that we’ve explained in detail how psychological stress affects mood, let’s explore how to manage these changes. If these changes lead to psychological disorders such as depression or anxiety, professional psychological treatment is necessary. However, self-help methods that may improve mood and strengthen resilience include the following:

• Exercise regularly: It helps reduce stress levels and improves mood.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet: Unhealthy food increases susceptibility to stress and negatively affects mood.
• Practice meditation: Meditation enhances the ability to handle stress and fosters a sense of calm and relaxation, thereby improving mood. Don’t forget to download the Tawazon app for a wide range of meditation sessions, podcasts, and in-depth information about different types of meditation.