Anxiety…and/or…Stress

Our genetic makeup can contribute to our mental health issues, but changes in our brain certainly contribute as well. Brain changes can be caused by ageing of course, but they can also be caused by stress. Stress experienced in childhood has detrimental consequences on brain development. Brain changes and trauma experienced in childhood are key risk factors for depression later in life. (Lin Jin-Mann S, Nater U, Majer M, Capuron L, Reeves W 2010). Adults under stress are vulnerable too. The Current Opinion in Psychiatry journal warns that people who experience chronic stress and anxiety are at greater risk for developing depression and chronic anxiety. Our genes can contribute to our anxiety and depression, but physical brain changes caused by ageing and constant stress are equally to blame.