“The research purpose is to further our understanding of the effects of stress on the brain and how this relates to the development of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder,” Hill said.
For the past 11 years, his lab has been working to better understand how stress hormones modify brain function, behaviour and metabolism. “Our friend, Mike, was not a person who was a quitter – not a person who gave up,” said McClay’s friend Trevor Johnson. “This is an issue that affects a lot of people, in males, females, people of different ages. It's family members, friends and the workforce. So, it's got a broad level of effect on the entire community,” Johnson said.
“Another component of this as well, is to also educate the public on understanding that there is a relationship that exists between concussion and head trauma and the subsequent development of mental health issues,” Hill said. The human body also produces its own chemicals that stimulate the endocannabinoid system as a response to stress.