When stress subsides: The Let-Down Effect trap

The body releases powerful hormones during periods of stress. This reaction was, in fact, essential to the survival of our distant ancestors who lived in hostile environments. When faced with a life-threatening situation, activating stress mechanisms enabled them to prepare to fight or flee [1].

For most of us, however, these life-threatening situations are rare. Nowadays, we experience stress almost daily, even though our lives are not really in danger. This situation has significant effects on the body, including increased blood pressure, gastric reflux, lack of energy and irritability, among others. With such intense and potentially harmful consequences, why do we sometimes only feel the effects of stress when it subsides?

When we are under intense stress – that all-important exam, that fast-approaching deadline – our body secretes “stress hormones”, such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can have a beneficial short-term effect on our defence mechanisms. They can help increase the effectiveness of the immune system and reduce inflammation, preventing us from becoming ill or, at least, reducing the first signs of infection. In other words, the body activates its protection mode, enabling us to cope with stressful situations [2].

The problem arises when stress remains for too long. In this case, these hormones have a negative impact, weakening our immune system and making us more vulnerable to infections we normally would have fought off [3]. As the stress subsides and the cortisol and adrenaline levels drop, we begin to notice the effects of the infection that has settled in and gone unnoticed until now. This is the Let-Down Effect phase.

Whether good or bad, stress is an integral part of modern life. It is now clear that its long-term effects expose us to a risk of developing various health problems. While some people seem to cope better with stress, others feel its effects more strongly. It would be interesting to be able to quantify stress levels with simple tests, such as blood tests – but is this really possible? Our experts address this question.