Our Mental Health Is Impacted By Chemicals
I always had an interest to know about the brain and the behaviour of humans. When I was in my 10th std I attended a workshop by Dr. V.S Ravindran where he talked about mental health of teenagers. The things he said about mental health was the moment when I asked myself why individuals of all age groups suffered from different mental illnesses. I researched on this topic and found that it was due to certain imbalances of chemicals which are actively working in our body to determine our physical and mental health. I wrote several articles on the neurotransmitters namely Oxytocin, Serotonin, Dopamine and Adrenaline. Watching series which included psychology and biology like “The Mind, explained”, “The Human” etc. widened my thoughts. I then wrote a research paper on A Study on Mental Disorders and Chemical Imbalances where I talked about how the imbalances of the chemicals lead to disorders like anxiety, depression etc.
Why do we have imbalances?
1. Age and life stages: Hormone levels naturally fluctuate during different life stages. For example, during puberty, there are significant hormonal changes as the body matures. Women experience hormonal shifts during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. Men also experience hormonal changes with age, such as a gradual decline in testosterone levels.
2. Environmental factors: Exposure to certain chemicals and toxins in the environment, known as endocrine disruptors, can interfere with the body’s hormone regulation. These include chemicals found in plastics, pesticides, and some personal care products
3. Unhealthy lifestyle habits: Poor diet, lack of exercise, inadequate sleep, and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to hormone imbalances. These lifestyle factors can affect metabolism, insulin levels, and the functioning of various hormones.
4. Genetics: In some cases, hormone imbalances may be influenced by genetic factors. Certain genetic conditions can impact hormone production, receptor function, or hormone metabolism, leading to imbalances.
Impact of hormones on our behaviour
Hormones also affect our behaviour long after we’re out of puberty. Take oxytocin, often called the “love hormone.” Oxytocin is released when two people are close, or even during childbirth. It promotes social bonding, trust, and connection. Oxytocin is responsible for building our relationships and promoting feelings of empathy and compassion for others.
On the other hand, humans also produce cortisol, also known as the “stress hormone.” our bodies release cortisol as a natural defence mechanism, preparing our bodies for potential danger in the future.
Impact of hormones on the brain
Hormones including thyroid hormones and growth factors have a profound impact on the architecture of the brain during critical prenatal and early childhood developmental phases. These hormones have an impact on how neurons develop, how neural connections are made, and how different parts of the brain develop.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive and persistent worry, fear, and apprehension that can significantly impact a person’s daily life. One key hormone involved in anxiety as I already spoke about is cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone.” Chronic stress can lead to sustained high levels of cortisol, which can have negative effects on the brain and contribute to anxiety. Learning about anxiety, practising mindfulness, correct breathing techniques, dietary changes, exercise, and support groups are some methods for managing anxiety disorders.
What is Depression?
The next thing I researched about which I saw in a very close family member of mine which made me want to know more about it was depression. Which hormone is involved with a disorder like the one mentioned. Serotonin close related to depression is often referred to as the “happiness hormone.” It is involved in mood regulation, sleep, appetite, and overall emotional well-being. it involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, low energy levels, and impaired cognitive function. While depression has complex causes, hormones play a significant role in its development and manifestation.
Some ways through which the balance of hormones can be maintained and why is it necessary to keep them in balance?
We can balance the hormones out by exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, living a stress-free life, meditating and doing yoga etc. to overcome anxiety and depression take at least 8 hours of sleep a day, exercise regularly, maintain a balanced diet and talk to your loved ones about how you actually feel. in conclusion, hormones are not mere invisible messengers silently working within us. They have a profound impact on our behaviour, shaping our emotions, desires, and actions. Let us strive to understand and appreciate this intricate relationship between hormones and behaviour. By doing so, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and others, fostering empathy, compassion, and a greater appreciation for the remarkable complexity of the human experiences.
About SCM Youth
SCM Youth is a collection of conversations that should be a part of our daily discussions but aren’t. If you are interested in topics such as tech for good, mental health, sustainability, education reform, global citizenship, change makers, activism, grassroots development, and much more, then this podcast is for you.
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