How stress affects your brain - Madhumita Murgia

TED-Ed

This animated lesson explores the physiological mechanisms of stress, distinguishing between beneficial short-term stress and harmful chronic stress. It details how the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis functions to release cortisol and how prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels can negatively impact brain structure, specifically shrinking the prefrontal cortex and damaging the hippocampus. The video also introduces the concept of epigenetics, showing how stress responses can be inherited across generations. The narrative explains complex biological processes through clear visual metaphors, illustrating how chronic stress affects memory, learning, and emotional regulation. It breaks down the role of the amygdala (fear center) and hippocampus (learning/memory) and how their balance is disrupted by cortisol overload. The video connects these biological changes to mental health outcomes like depression and Alzheimer's disease. For educators, this resource serves as a crucial tool for teaching neuroscience, biology, and health education. It provides a scientific basis for social-emotional learning (SEL) by validating the physical reality of stress and offering actionable solutions. The conclusion emphasizes neuroplasticity and recovery, suggesting exercise and meditation as methods to reverse brain damage, making it an empowering resource for discussions on mental health and coping strategies.