toxic stress

Toxic stress occurs when a person experiences strong, frequent, or prolonged adversity—such as abuse, neglect, or household chaos—without adequate support. This intense and ongoing stress can interfere with normal brain development and hormone regulation, potentially leading to long-term health, emotional, and behavioral issues. Unlike manageable stress, toxic stress overwhelms the body's ability to cope, which may impair learning, memory, and emotional regulation, especially in children. Supportive relationships and reducing such stressors can help mitigate these effects and promote resilience.