The Stress Continuum Copy

The Stress Continuum Copy The Stress Continuum Copy

This inverted U-shaped curve represents the Yerkes-Dodson law: an association between stress level and body-mind performance.

Tap the hot spots on the stress continuum to learn more about how different stress levels affect performance.

Allostatic Load

‘Allostatic load’ is the cumulative effect of trauma and other stressors within our biological and psychological systems throughout the lifespan. Our genetics, our past experiences, and how we see those around us cope with stress all influence how much of a load we carry. When the allostatic load exceeds our coping mechanisms—both psychological and physiological—posttraumatic stress symptoms may develop.

Tasha with overloaded backpack demonstrating concept of allostatic load
Our genetics, our past experiences, and how we see those around us cope with stress all influence how much of a load we carry

When a person’s allostatic load is too high for too long, that continuous exposure to stress causes the normal neuroendocrine stress responses to become over-sensitized and thus constantly and overly activated.

Animation of Tasha on cell phone reading about stressful events in society
The stress of current events

This can lead to the development of trauma symptoms and often unhealthy changes in the structure and function of the brain and other organ systems, with potentially long-term health consequences.