Stress – virtual reality research and support – Virtual Receptor

innovative method of psychotherapy

It is difficult to imagine life today without stress; fear, anxiety and pain accompany us every day. However, if we look at the medical aspects of stress and the scientific research in this area, it is worth learning about stress and coping with it. Professor Jadwiga Jośko-Ochojska, who has been head of the Department of Environmental Medicine and Epidemiology at the Silesian Medical University since 2002 and is involved in research into the impact of stress on the body, very aptly explains stress as a condition that causes all norms to be exceeded: physiological, biochemical and even anatomical and requiring treatment. Chronic stress causes a lot of damage throughout the body, triggering various somatic diseases, mental disorders and illnesses and personality disorders. However, doctors observe the most changes in the brain and the immune system. The effects of stress on the immune system depend on its duration and severity. Long-term stress contributes to serious muscular and skeletal disorders, gastric and duodenal ulcers, lowered immunity and increased risk of infections, hypertension, strokes, myocardial infarctions, coronary heart disease. Stressful situations also contribute to sleep disorders, the incidence of depression and neurosis, cancer, and are a frequent cause of turning to alcohol, smoking or other stimulants.

Prof. Jadwiga Jośko-Ochojska points out interesting methods of dealing with stress, in addition to classical treatment, in the form of supportive therapies, such as muse therapy, colour therapy, aromatherapy, art therapy, laser therapy, meditation, prayer, yoga, visualisation, laughter therapy and many others. Interestingly, according to the expert, it is up to the patient which method they choose for themselves, for example, 20 minutes of listening to relaxation music reduces cortisol, increases dopamine secretion in the brain and the number of NK cells in the immune system, reduces pain and anxiety, a 40-minute walk in the forest reduces cortisol, while inhaling limonene secreted by pine trees has an anti-cancer effect, increasing the number of NK cells and T lymphocytes, the colour green calms, relaxes, strengthens the immune system and the cardiovascular system.

Research confirms that the use of virtual reality helps to restore mental equilibrium, calms and supports coping with stress and depression. VR has great potential in supporting health service activities. Immersive virtual reality, the researchers point out, is safe, effective and can be used with a wide age range. By providing an immersive environment that stimulates a variety of senses, medical care becomes more enjoyable for both the patient and the medical professionals seeking to help us. We realise that there is still a lot ahead of us in this area, but we are pleased that by implementing the APO My Glasses project, support in managing stress can also be our contribution.