How much stress is too much? A psychiatrist explains the links between toxic stress and poor health − and how to get help

No one can escape stress, but sometimes it takes a physical and emotional toll that translates to disease and other health effects. The good news is that there are new approaches to treating it.

Lawson R. Wulsin, Professor of Psychiatry and Family Medicine, University of Cincinnati • conversation
March 19, 2024 • ~8 min

Black mothers trapped in unsafe neighborhoods signal the stressful health toll of gun violence in the U.S.

Chronic stress from living with systemic racism and gun violence can lead to increased symptoms of PTSD and depression as well as elevated cortisol levels.

Ruby Mendenhall, Associate Professor in Sociology, African American Studies, Urban and Regional Planning and Social Work, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign • conversation
May 3, 2023 • ~8 min

Social stress can speed up immune system aging – new research

While the immune system naturally gets weaker with age, social stressors like trauma and discrimination can hasten immunosenescence.

Eric Klopack, Postdoctoral Researcher in Gerontology, University of Southern California • conversation
June 15, 2022 • ~6 min

They don't come as pills, but try these 6 underprescribed lifestyle medicines for a better, longer life

Lifestyle medicine targets the root of chronic diseases like obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Experts explain why everyone should embrace these free prescriptions for good health.

Michael Parkinson, Senior Medical Director of Health and Productivity, UPMC Health Plan & Workpartners, University of Pittsburgh • conversation
Jan. 20, 2021 • ~10 min

Racism linked to cognitive decline in African American women

A landmark study shows chronic stress from racism can lead to loss of brain function in African American women.

Yvette Cozier, Associate professor, Epidemiology, Boston University • conversation
Aug. 17, 2020 • ~6 min

Anxiety about coronavirus can increase the risk of infection — but exercise can help

The immune system can respond to stress in ways that harm health. But there's a stress-buster that can help keep you calm and healthy: exercise.

Jennifer J. Heisz, Associate Professor in Kinesiology and Associate Director (Seniors) of the Physical Activity Centre of Excellence, McMaster University • conversation
March 22, 2020 • ~7 min

How to recover from burnout and chronic work stress – according to a psychologist

Daily recovery can not only relieve burnout – it may also prevent it in the first place.

Rajvinder Samra, Lecturer in Health, The Open University • conversation
March 11, 2020 • ~7 min

/

1