Cortisol
Steroid hormone released by the adrenal glands, the stress hormone. Essential for the maintenance of homeostasis, regulates blood pressure and CNS activation and is released following a fight-flight response as the body is not able to maintain this intensity for prolonged periods.
Physical Effects: impaired immune system functioning, high blood pressure
Mental Effects: learning problems, impaired memory, depression, anxiety
Release of Cortisol
Released through the HPA axis, takes longer than the fight-flight response to influence the body and lasts longer, for long-term stressors HPA axis remains active and cortisol remains in the bloodstream at a high level.