How Relationship Conflict Overwhelms The Nervous System
Relational conflict can significantly impact the nervous system, through the activation of the body's stress response system/Sympathetic Nervous System, triggering signals from the amygdala leading us to run, fight, or shutdown.
When individuals engage in conflict, whether an intense argument with a partner or friend, the body's sympathetic nervous system is often activated. This response, designed to prepare the body to deal with perceived threats. When the Sympathetic Nervous System is activated, heart rate increases, muscles tense, and the body prepares for physical action whether necessary or not. Temporarily, this is not detrimental to us, but chronic conflict or living in conflict can have negative effects such as:
Release of Stress Hormones: Relational conflict can trigger the release of stress hormones, primarily cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels can cause emotional reactivity due to a heighted emotional response.
Brain Function: The amygdala, a part of the brain responsible for processing emotions and detecting threats, becomes more active during conflict. This can lead to heightened emotional reactions and a decreased ability to think rationally overtime. Frequent conflict can impact the brains emotional baseline, causing feelings of chronic stress and tension.
Physical Health: Frequent and prolonged activation of the body’s stress response system due to relational conflict can adversely impact physical health. Chronic activation of the body’s stress reponse is associated with an increased risk of various health issues, such as, cardiovascular disease, immune system suppression, digestive issues, and sleep disturbances. So when you’re up all night and your stomach hurts consider the possibility your environment is a factor.
Mental Health: Relational conflict and the associated stress response can contribute to or exacerbate mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Emotional Health: Frequent arguing and chaos in a close relationships can lead to resentment and contempt over time. When our feelings are frequently being hurt or disregarded it can be difficult to continue to have trust and vulnerability, leading to greater isolation within relationships.
Note: Conflict can be constructive instead of harmful when we learn how to communicate effectively and have greater ability to regulate our emotions. When conflict is chronic, remains unresolved, and causes hostility it can have negative impacts on the relationship and the surrounding parties, like children watching the conflict. In order to combat the negative effects of conflict we need to work on conflict resolution and stress management. If you find yourself in frequent conflict consider reaching out to a safe loved one or therapist.
*All information found online
