Assignment task:
Stress and trauma significantly impact both the brain and body, often leading to long-term effects. Stress, whether acute or chronic, activates the body's fight-or-flight response through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to prepare for defense by increasing heart rate and muscle tension (Maletis, 2018). While this response is essential in immediate danger, chronic stress can result in long-term damage, such as hypertension, impaired digestion, and increased risk of heart disease. Prolonged stress or trauma may develop into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), with symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional dysregulation (Segal et al., 2018). An overload of stress hormones, particularly cortisol, can lead to physical health problems like heart disease, obesity, and weakened immune function (Bergquist, 2016). These manifestations highlight the profound connection between trauma, stress, and physical health, emphasizing the importance of managing stress effectively.