Final answer:
When reaching out during stress, the body's hormonal response, particularly the release of cortisol, prepares it to manage the stress more effectively. However, continuously high levels of cortisol from chronic stress may lead to negative health effects such as a weakened immune system.
Step-by-step explanation:
During times of stress, a variety of physiological changes take place within the body, which are managed by systems like the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. When we reach out to others during this time, our body releases higher levels of certain hormones like cortisol, which in short bursts can provide a boost of energy and strengthen the body's ability to handle stress. The fight-or-flight response orchestrated by the release of adrenaline and other hormones prepares the body to face or escape the stressor. However, when this response is constantly activated by chronic stress, it can have negative health impacts, such as weakening the immune system and increasing susceptibility to illnesses.
The hormonal regulation of stress is essential to understand because it reflects how the body reacts to perceived threats, readying for either fighting or fleeing. In moments of stress, hormones like cortisol and adrenaline (norepinephrine and epinephrine) are released, leading to increased heart rate, blood flow, and alertness. Notably, cortisol is known as the stress hormone that, in moderation, temporarily improves immune system functioning and reduces pain sensitivity, but in high, prolonged levels, can weaken the immune system and contribute to a variety of health issues.