How does unconscious stress affect us?

Unconscious stress affects the body by continuously activating the sympathetic nervous system, which is typically used for acute stress responses (like escape or fight scenarios). According to William Bulsciewicz, unresolved traumas or stressors, even if not present in conscious thought, can lead to chronic activation of this system. This chronic state can negatively impact various bodily functions, particularly the gut. Symptoms like upset stomach, nausea, or even more severe gut issues can occur due to the release of stress hormones like corticotropin-releasing hormone, which triggers a stress response cascade affecting gut health. This continuous state of stress can hinder bodily functions and overall health, maintaining an individual in a state of distress that prevents optimum functioning 1.