January 2025 // The Neuroscience of Mental Health
Can chronic stress and isolation physically change the brain? A recent study* showed that prolonged stress, followed by social isolation, can trigger depressive-like behaviours and disrupt brain function, shedding light on why stress and loneliness can be so harmful.
Key Findings
Researchers subjected mice to six weeks of unpredictable mild stress, followed by six weeks of isolation, mimicking real-world experiences of chronic stress and loneliness. The results were striking:
- Increased depressive-like behaviour: The mice showed less interest in pleasurable activities and more signs of despair in stress-related tests.
- Brain inflammation: Cells responsible for brain health (microglia and astrocytes) became overactive, a sign of chronic neuroinflammation.
- Fewer new brain cells: The hippocampus, a region essential for memory and mood regulation, produced fewer new neurons, which may explain long-term effects of depression.
- Weakened stress response: The mice had blunted cortisol (stress hormone) levels, meaning their bodies adapted poorly to stress over time.
Why This Matters
This study shows that chronic stress and isolation don’t just affect emotions—they physically rewire the brain.
The Good News?
Your brain can heal. Thanks to neuroplasticity, your brain has the incredible ability to rewire itself. With the right mindset, tools, and environment, you can break free from the effects of stress and isolation.
If stress and isolation have been holding you back, it’s time to take action. Book a free coaching consultation today to discuss how we can support you.
References:
Du Preez, A., Onorato, D., Eiben, I., Musaelyan, K., Egeland, M., Zunszain, P. A., Fernandes, C., Thuret, S., & Pariante, C. M. (2021). Chronic stress followed by social isolation promotes depressive-like behaviour, alters microglial and astrocyte biology and reduces hippocampal neurogenesis in male mice. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 91, 24–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2020.07.015