Abstract. Chronic stress has emerged as one of the most significant public health concerns of the twenty-first century, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. While acute stress responses are adaptive and essential for survival, prolonged exposure to stress can lead to substantial physiological and neurological alterations. Advances in neuroscience, neuroimaging, and molecular biology have provided compelling evidence that chronic stress not only affects psychological well-being but also induces measurable structural and functional changes within the human brain. These alterations involve critical brain regions such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex, which are responsible for memory, emotional regulation, learning, decision-making, and executive functioning. The neurobiological effects of chronic stress are primarily mediated through activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the subsequent release of glucocorticoids, particularly cortisol. Persistent elevation of stress hormones can disrupt neuronal integrity, impair synaptic plasticity, promote neuroinflammation, and alter neurotransmitter systems. \ Emerging evidence suggests that these changes may contribute to the development of various psychiatric and neurological disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions. This review explores the current scientific understanding of how chronic stress influences brain structure and function. The article examines the underlying neurobiological mechanisms, summarizes findings from neuroimaging studies, discusses cognitive and emotional consequences, and evaluates potential therapeutic interventions aimed at mitigating stress-related brain damage. Understanding the relationship between chronic stress and brain health is essential for developing effective prevention strategies and improving long-term neurological outcomes.