Do you feel tired a lot, for no apparent reason? Do you struggle to get a good night’s sleep? Have problems with hormonal imbalances? Do you frequently fall victim to colds and other contagious illnesses? Do you feel disillusioned with your life? Unenthusiastic about the next day? If any of this sounds like you, keep reading. You may be suffering from PASS: Prolonged Adaptive Stress Syndrome.
PASS: Prolonged Adaptive Stress Syndrome was first recognized by Dr Arlene Taylor, and her colleague Dr Katherine Benziger, who noticed a common set of symptoms in people who have spent long periods of time living an energy – draining life, very often trying to do or be someone or something they are not. Dr Taylor’s research shows that we each have a preferred way of using our natural energy – for example, some people are left – brain thinkers, and operate best in the arena of logic, strategy, and structure, while others are creative right – brain thinkers. When a person spends long periods of time operating outside of their natural energy preference, the energy drain on the brain is significant. The brain is a very energy – hungry organ, using 20 % of the body’s total energy even at rest.
According to Dr Taylor, “the brain is divided into four segments, each of which makes an important contribution to life. Each individual is believed to possess a biochemical preference in one segment over the other three. As such, an individual’s natural preference or energy-efficient way of doing things reflects his or her brain energy advantage.” In other words, there are things, and ways of doing things, that you will find naturally energizing, and others that you will find draining, according to your natural gifts. An example would be a creative, right – brain person forced to spend long periods of time working at a job which requires the use of the left brain – logic, strategy and structure. The symptoms of PASS: Prolonged Adaptive Stress Syndrome arise when you spend a long time trying to do or be something you are naturally not.
“Ignoring who you truly, authentically are can literally be killing you… Forcing yourself to be someone you are not or stuffing down who you really are…will tax you so much that it will shorten your life by years and years.”
—Phillip C. McGraw PhD, from his book Self Matters
So what are the symptoms of PASS: Prolonged Adaptive Stress Syndrome?
Symptoms Of PASS: Prolonged Adaptive Stress Syndrome
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Fatigue
One of the most common symptoms of PASS: Prolonged Adaptive Stress Syndrome is fatigue. This can be fatigue that is not relieved by sleep, fatigue that gets progressively worse, and sleep interference, leading to fatigue.
When you spend long periods of time operating outside of your natural forte, it creates an energy drain because your brain has to work harder. Sometimes people experience cravings for starchy or sugary foods because they need a “quick fix” of energy. In the long term, this can lead to weight gain and weight issues.
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Memory Problems
Cortisol is produced by the body during times of stress, and in recent years has been tagged as a culprit in weight gain and the inability to lose weight. However, it also interferes with memory. This can take the form of short term memory loss (the inability to lay down a memory), difficulty storing memories long – term, or the inability to recall a memory. It can also lead to “foggy brain” – the inability to think clearly and concentrate. Worryingly, it can even lead to the death of brain cells, due to increased free radical production.
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Jittery Nerves
Living an energy – draining lifestyle can push the brain into a state of protective alertness. This can manifest itself as jittery nerves, a constant sense of fear or alarm (without justifiable cause), or a tendency to startle easily.
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Reduced Frontal Lobe Function
The frontal lobe of the brain is responsible for emotional expression, problem solving, memory, language, judgment, and sexual behavior. In people with PASS: Prolonged Adaptive Stress Syndrome, reduced frontal lobe function can lead to difficulty in creative pursuits (writer’s block, for example), problem solving, and decision making. Symptoms can also include reduced mental clarity, slowed thought processes, and physical injuries due to impaired spatial judgment.
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Hormonal Disruptions
Prolonged stress has a negative effect on the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, creating hormonal imbalances. These can include a decrease in growth hormone, abnormal insulin production, and reproductive irregularities. In pre – menopausal women, these often manifest as menstrual abnormalities and would be a key marker for further investigation.
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Compromised Immune System
Prolonged stress can suppress the immune system, leading to the development or worsening of autoimmune disorders, slower healing, and a tendency to easily fall victim to contagious illnesses such as colds and flu. There is also thought to be an increased risk for developing diabetes and cancer.
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Discouragement or Depression
Long term stress can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed or unable to cope. Not surprisingly, this can exacerbate existing depression, bring about feelings of hopelessness, and over time, lead to depression itself.
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Altered Sense Of Self Esteem
Arising from a perceived lack of success in life, or feelings of unfulfilment over a long time, a person may experience lowered self esteem, (sometimes falling into a victim mentality), or inflated self esteem (sometimes taking on an offender mentality). A person’s level of self – care is often a reflection of their sense of self esteem.
Living With PASS: Prolonged Adaptive Stress Syndrome
Fortunately, there are things you can do if you think you might be suffering from PASS: Prolonged Adaptive Stress Syndrome – it doesn’t have to be a life sentence. Recognize that your symptoms are not just a random collection of bad luck. They actually mean something. Then get help. See a doctor to rule out any other reasons for your symptoms – plenty of other things can cause similar problems.
If no physical illnesses turn up, then consider seeing a psychologist or someone who specializes in brain function. Doctors are good at diagnosing physical illnesses, but when it comes to something like PASS, with its symptoms which are vague and often hard to describe, a doctor might have trouble connecting the dots. A psychologist or brain function specialist will help you discover who you really are, and your natural energy preferences. You can also educate yourself about your temperament type, and what kinds of activities will energize you rather than draining you.
Identify Stressors
Identify stressors – are they external? These would include a dysfunctional relationship, a major life event such as a job loss, or the death of a loved one, or divorce. It could also include such things as disappointed romantic expectations, or the inability to find work or love. Internal stressors come about when our values don’t match the way we are living, or there is a mismatch between who we really are and the expectations placed on us by external factors – school, family, employer, church, or society in general.
When it comes to external stressors, using the 20:80 rule can be useful in helping you to reframe your perception of the stressors in your life. The 20:80 rule says that 20 per cent of the stress comes from the stressor itself, and 80 per cent comes from your perception of the stressor.
Reframe Your Perceptions of Stress
You can reduce your stress by reframing your perception of what’s causing it. For example, if you get really stressed in traffic, stop the stress cycle. Remind yourself that everything is ok and you are fine. Nothing bad has happened to you up to that point in your journey and there’s every chance your journey will go smoothly. Then employ some “distraction therapy” – something that will take your focus away from the stress and onto something that helps you feel calmer. Work out a strategy for taking your mind off the stressor, and reframe how you think about it. Find ways of calming yourself to reduce stress.
In the case of internal stressors, Dr Benziger suggests that the stressor contributes up to 60 per cent of the stress, while only 40 per cent is caused by the way a person perceives it. This obviously shifts the approach somewhat to one that is more focused on removing or altering the stressor itself rather than reframing your perception of it.
Tips for Overcoming PASS
- Make time to calm and center yourself. Use that time to consider how you can better balance your life, and/or what occupation might suit you better, if that’s one of your stressors. Make plans to change things that are causing you stress.
- Set goals for change – small steps that are achievable. For example, if you would like to change your occupation, but don’t know how, start by breaking the process into small goals. Do you need help with working out what work would suit you? A small, achievable goal would be to book an appointment with a life coach or other professional who can help you explore the options. Do you need information about courses in your preferred field? Make it a goal to research the options online or attend your local training institute to find out more. Write your goals down and put them into a time frame. You are much more likely to achieve them that way. See this as part of your journey to wellness – no one has failed till they stop trying!
- Take care of your physical health – brain and body are closely connected. Check your diet to see if it needs to change, and get enough rest and exercise. Sunlight is important for your brain too. Drink plenty of water – your brain needs it to function in peak condition.
- Give it enough time. It took time to get to where you are now and you need to allow yourself time to recover. Be patient, and kind to yourself. Give yourself the care you need.
- Once you’re on the road to recovery, don’t be tempted to think you’re fine now. Avoid going back to the stressful life or bad habits that caused it in the first place! Be honest with yourself and others who place expectations on you. Admit that you’re not bullet – proof and learn to say no when you need to.
Life Beyond Pass: Prolonged Adaptive Stress Syndrome
Yes, vibrant good health IS possible! Even if you have been living with PASS for some time, you can still enjoy good health in the future. Given the right conditions for healing and health, the human body is very resilient. By maintaining a balanced approach to life, not only is healing possible, but you should be able to enjoy abundant good health for years to come.
References:
(http://www.neuroskills.com/brain-injury/frontal-lobes.php)
(http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/thinking-hard-calories/)