Toxic Stress Research Paper

Toxic Stress- Chronic
A physiological change in the body occurs in the response to stress from challenges, problems or threats. These occasional and brief stress responses are a normal part of healthy development. Prolonged, severe, or chronic stress can lead to significant problems with health, well-being and development. Certain recurring exposures to violence, such as child abuse, domestic violence, neighborhood violence, high rates of violent crime, war, terrorism, or natural disasters are especially toxic. Even chronic stressors like food insecurity, lack of affordable housing, homelessness, basic needs not being met, substance abuse, poor access to medical care, lack of security and the absence of a support system can cause toxic stress …show more content…
This level of prolonged stress can disrupt normal brain development, increase the risk of stress related diseases and cognitive impairment throughout the life span (Center for the Developing Child-Harvard University, 2017). Public health nurses can help identify the children in need and help the family access services to reduce this chronic stress. Unless continuous support is provided chronic stress lead to dissolution of the family unit, increase in homelessness rate, increase in substance abuse, mental health crisis and difficulty focusing and concentrating ‘in