Trauma meaning any kind; I was thinking mostly abuse.
In: Biology
Cortisol works to combat stress like an analgesic (aspirin) and is a potent anti-inflammatory hormone. If you are in a situation where you quickly become scared, cortisol leaps in and instantly manages your physical response to stress by regulating your heart rate, blood pressure, etc.
Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands which are small glands located on top of each kidney. There is some evidence that suggests that constant trauma and abuse over an extended period of time wears out this response system. Normally, it should function like an buoyant bath toy that once submerged, slowly comes back to the surface. However, holes will start appearing if it gets overused and worn out. This in turn will affect its ability to float back to the surface. Pretty soon the system stops functioning, and this can result in a mental health issue called Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood. This said, there are lots of other unfortunate outcomes that can result from untreated trauma, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Mood Disorders (Depression), and others.
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