Effects of Stress on Development

Epigenetics - The study of changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression rather than alteration of the genetic code itself.

Or in other words, the impact of the physical environment on the expression of our genes.

It’s science’s answer to nature vs nurture. Our personality traits, predispositions, tendencies, and habits, are they attributable to nature or to nurture? It appears that in many circumstances, the answer is both! Our DNA does not change, and the DNA in our hair cells is the same DNA in our heart cells. But our physical environment can be varied and is dynamic throughout our lives. Science has found that, when we are developing, our physical environment can influence the expression of our DNA. 

For example - A body of a child experiencing major stressors might adapt to 1. produce more cortisol (the stress hormone), 2. dampen emotional responses, and 3. easily trigger the fight/ flight/freeze response. This stressor might be maltreatment, neglect, immigration stress, or lack of access to life sustaining resources. This might also explain why typically 20% of children will experience the majority of illnesses and disorders.

Meaning, depending on the stress you experienced in your development, your body may have adapted to be more sensitive to stress. To give a concrete example, if you grew up without access to enough food, your body may have learned that food is an extremely valuable commodity that does not come by often. And as an adult, even if that may not be the case, your body is still operating with those adaptations. Now, maybe you wish that your body would learn that food is ample and plenty, and that every meal is not your last meal for the week. 

Rather than getting upset with yourself for being so sensitive to stress, try instead offering gratitude. Gratitude for your body's efforts to serve you the best way it knows how, your resilience, and your growth. Because you have been able to adapt to extreme stressors at a young age in order to survive. And now you are in a different physical environment than the one you grew up in. And experiences of growth and resiliency are things to be thankful for.