Ep 16. Stress: Portrait of a Killer

Stress: Portrait of a Killer is an episode of National Geographic Documentaries from the year 2008. The episode delves into the topic of stress and how it affects individuals on a physical level. The episode incorporates interviews with researchers in the medical field, as well as individuals who have experienced high levels of stress in their lives.

The episode begins by discussing the fight or flight response, a natural reaction to stress that has evolved over thousands of years. The response allows individuals to quickly react to dangerous situations by either fighting or fleeing. However, the episode explains that in modern society, chronic stress has become a common occurrence and the fight or flight response is triggered regularly. The constant activation of this response can lead to a multitude of health problems, both physical and mental.

The episode then moves on to discuss the effects of stress on the body. It explains that when the fight or flight response is triggered, hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol are released into the bloodstream. These hormones can have a number of physical effects, such as raising blood pressure, increasing heart rate, and boosting blood sugar levels. While these effects are helpful in the short term, chronic stress can lead to long term health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

The episode also discusses the effects of stress on the brain. It explains that chronic stress can lead to a decrease in brain function, impairing memory and reasoning skills. The episode also discusses research that shows stress can actually cause certain areas of the brain to shrink.

The episode then moves on to the topic of stress in the workplace. It explains that while some stress in the workplace can be beneficial, such as motivating individuals to work harder, too much stress can be harmful to employees. The episode features interviews with individuals who have experienced high levels of stress in their jobs, including police officers and air traffic controllers. It also discusses research that shows high levels of stress in the workplace can lead to decreased job performance and increased rates of absenteeism.

Throughout the episode, various experts weigh in on the topic of stress, including Dr. Robert Sapolsky, a neuroendocrinologist who has conducted extensive research on the effects of stress on the body. The episode also features interviews with individuals who have experienced high levels of stress, including a woman who cared for her husband during his battle with cancer and a man who was stationed in Iraq during the war.

Overall, Stress: Portrait of a Killer provides a thought-provoking look at the impact of stress on the human body and mind. The episode incorporates scientific research, personal stories, and expert commentary to provide a comprehensive look at this important topic.