4. The consequences of stress

Stress is a common phenomenon encountered in many personal and professional circumstances. It is not pathological in itself, nor is it an illness. It is the intensity and repetition of stress that can have harmful consequences. These are psychological, but they are also organic in nature.

We sometimes hear that stress is necessary, stimulating and can be good. This notion masks the real distinctions to be taken into account, which are those of duration and intensity. Acute stress is not necessarily harmful and can be beneficial. It becomes toxic if repeated or prolonged.

Many of the physiological or pathological effects of stress are induced by a hormonal response, mainly involving catecholamines and cortisol secreted by the adrenal gland. These hormones are involved in a wide range of neurological, metabolic, energetic and muscular processes,...