The End of Stress As We Know It

by Bruce S. McEwen

(Joseph Henry Press) Rockefeller Univ., New York City, NY. Consumer text presents research on the relationship between brain function and stress function and describes stress as a natural, necessary function. Also shows how stress can bring on illnesses, such as asthma, diabetes, ulcers and increase susceptibility. Softcover.

Genres: Psychology, Health, Science, Neuroscience, Nonfiction, Self Help, School

262 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Juli · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this isn't the breeziest reading ever, McEwen makes the science of stress accessible to the lay person. The first half of the book focuses on how the allostatic systems affect the body/brain, and then the end of the book discusses methods to combat/prevent the negative effects (not much new/shocking there -- eat well, exercise,etc).

One of McEwen's main arguments is that of "allostasis" (=protection) versus "allostatic load" (=damage). One of the things I found most encouraging was that research shows that when the subjects (animals) were removed from the factors causing their allostatic load, the system was able to not only stop the detrimental slide, but also recover from some of the damage that had occurred.

We all know that too much stress has negative consequences, but hearing some of the specifics about how it affects our system was really rather motivating for me. I felt this author did a great job explaining the actual "hows" of the science in a way that was relatable to a non-science-lover like me.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good - this was the icing on the cake for me. The missing piece I needed to go forth and really get out there and do what I need to.

Again just so good. I love that I can give stress a name that can be discussed in context of health and physiology. One that is able to be understood by my medical peers but one that empirically demonstrates mental health and physical health are forever connected - they are not separate domains.

This gentleman is a complete genius, and I mean that in the real literal term he is a phenomenal scientist and I suspect human. He is up there with Jonathon Hiadt, Martin Selligman, Jung, Brene Brown, Eric Erikson and Abraham Maslow! He has actually just provided me with more people to read but hey that's my purpose - right?

[Gemini · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am not a fan of this book at all. This book is very scientific & has lots of physiological info about stress. If you're into the science aspect of stress than this is for you. I am forcing myself to finish it, not a great read.

[Juan Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the book is more than 20 years old, and medicine is one of the sciences that has advanced the most in recent years, this book has the basis for understanding stress from a medical point of view; and its management.

How can we achieve a balance in our body and mind that reduces stress? Some doctors will say that pills are what help the most, however Bruce McEwen tells us about ways to achieve it naturally.

Although I had actually already read them and generally knew about all the tools that Bruce mentions, this book is a very good compendium on the subject.

[Benjamin Barch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pretty interesting look at how stress actually works in our bodies. Eat healthy, regular exercise, surround yourself with good friends, and having a positive attitude all contribute to low stress, but this book explains what to do in each of those areas and how each one contributes to stress (or lack of it). The book is fairly scientific and doesn't have much of a story line, but really good information to know. Especially about the area where when we voluntarily put ourselves into certain kinds of stress, our bodies can use that stress to keep us healthier!

[Skyqueen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really a lot more technical than I expected, but at the same time not un-understandable. Really looks at the big picture of what stress does to our bodies and how the 'evolution' or function of our systems developed as they did. Very interesting. Very informative. Stress actually changes our brain; the hippocampus shrinks!! He makes a good argument that stress management will be one of the new medical trends because it is also socio-economic related by virtue of diet as well as financial level. Amazing how our body works. Many studies are being done around the world in this field.

[Huda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author is the foremost authority on how the brain processes stress and the consequences of stress on the brain and body. While it might be a bit too scientific for some, it is guaranteed to be accurate and thoughtful. Much is said about stress by people with varying levels of expertise on the subject. You can take this information to the bank.

[Jason C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a first-class book on how stress affects us, focusing on changes to our bodies and particularly our brain, and what we can do about it. It can be a bit technical for a casual reader but I found it exceptionally useful. A great book for mental health and physical health professionals.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent and interesting discussion of how the body deals with stress and what the results might be. Although well-grounded in science, it is accessible and enjoyable to read, not dry or text-bookish. It is not a self-help book.

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who has ever been stressed (ahem...EVERYONE!) this is a must read. It's scientific but completely readable and it defines stress in ways you can't imagine.
Thanks for this one, Fin!

[Whoof]

was stressed about schoolwork so instead of doing my homework I procrastinated by reading this

book's scientific advice on how to best avoid stress: exercise, get good sleep, don't eat like shit