Spanish psychiatrist Marian Rojas Estapé says the body can react to anticipated problems as if a threat were already present. She describes how persistent worry can sustain a stress response and affect sleep and concentration. [1]
The underlying mechanism involves continuous activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, regardless of imminent physical threat. In real-life-or-death situations, the body releases adrenaline and cortisol to prepare for fight or flight. When the threat is abstract—such as a financial problem or professional worry—there is no possibility of physical escape. The result is a chronic state of alert, which Rojas Estapé describes metaphorically as “cortisol poisoning,” which disrupts the body’s balance on three fundamental levels: physical, psychological, and metabolic. This prolonged state transforms normal life-sustaining processes into excessive consumption of vital resources. [1]
Rojas Estapé describes physical symptoms that can accompany persistent stress, including muscle tension and a feeling of tightness in the chest. [1]
The source also discusses how prolonged stress may affect the immune and digestive systems and describes possible digestive symptoms such as bloating. [1]
Rojas Estapé describes how sustained alertness can interfere with sleep. She points to waking in the middle of the night and feeling unrested as examples. [1]
Rojas Estapé says that prolonged stress can make it harder to concentrate, solve problems and remember things. She also describes how some people experience apathy or low mood after a period of severe stress. [1]
Among the approaches Rojas Estapé discusses are exercising, slowing down breathing, noticing unhelpful self-talk and recalling pleasant experiences. [1]
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