The HPA axis is a critical system involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands, orchestrating the body’s stress response. It releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which not only prepare us for immediate action but can also create long-lasting effects on our brain and body. Fear responses can linger, reshaping our neural connections and gene expression, but understanding this process opens pathways to mitigate fear and replace it with positive associations.
