When people are under long-term stress, parts of their brain that control memory and emotions can change shape—some areas shrink while others grow—which might make it harder to remember things, cause more anxiety, and make it tougher to control emotions.

Chronic stress can change the shape and size of brain areas that control memory, fear, and emotions—making the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex shrink and the amygdala grow, which can make you forget things more easily, feel more anxious, and have a harder time staying calm.