“If we resist our emotions, we resist being human”
Prologue
Emotions, the conductors running the play inside our heads! It's like they have a secret control panel, switching us from 'laugh uncontrollably' to 'cry over a sad clip’' in a blink. Emotions are the ultimate puppeteers, making us dance to their whims, leaving us to wonder, "Who's really in charge here anyway?"
Right then, hormones come into play. They're like the backstage directors giving instructions to emotions in the sitcom we call life. One minute you're bursting with 'I can conquer the world' vibes, and the next, you're slumped on the couch convinced that life is a cosmic joke.
This time around, we will be giving you a lesson on how this emotional collaboration happens and how we REACT to it.
The Happiness Hormones
Serotonin: Often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, serotonin plays a crucial role in regulating mood and emotions. Low levels of serotonin are associated with conditions like depression, while an abundance of it can lead to feelings of happiness and contentment.
Example- You have been looking for your favourite snacks for what feels like forever and then you suddenly spot a stash hiding in the corner. As you unearth the snacks, you feel an overwhelming surge of excitement and happiness. In that moment of snack discovery, your brain decides to release serotonin making you feel like you have hit the jackpot!
Dopamine: This hormone is linked to the brain's reward and pleasure centres. It's responsible for that rush of excitement and satisfaction you feel when you achieve a goal or experience something enjoyable.
Example- You’ve been listlessly scrolling through your phone on a Sunday evening, dreading going to school the next day (Monday). But then a notification pops up saying that tomorrow is a holiday! The burst of sheer joy and exhilaration you feel as you think about an extra day off? That’s dopamine, your brain’s way of saying- Hooray! Let’s celebrate with some dance moves or a Netflix binge.
Endorphins: Ever heard of the "runner's high"? Endorphins are responsible for euphoria and reduced pain perception after exercise or a pleasurable experience. They act as natural painkillers and mood elevators.
Example- You have just finished an intense assembling session and it has taken you quite a lot of time to reach that point. The feeling of satisfaction and achievement that you experience is your brain dishing out endorphins, giving you a little pat on the back for successfully completing your task.
The Stress Hormones
Cortisol: When you're faced with a stressful situation, your body releases cortisol, often referred to as the "stress hormone." It readies your 'fight or flight' response, but prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels can lead to anxiety and even depression.
Example- Consider this- you are doing a last run-through of a presentation you will be doing soon and you realise you have overlooked a very crucial detail and have little time to fix it. In that moment, your heart rate quickens and a sense of urgency takes over. As you are trying to rectify the problem, your brain releases cortisol providing that extra push of energy and focus to tackle the problem at hand. The rush helps you power through and handle the unexpected pressure.
Adrenaline: Also known as epinephrine, adrenaline is responsible for the rapid increase in heart rate and alertness during a stressful or exciting event.
Example- Imagine you are in the middle of the nail-biting suspense of waiting for a reply to your text and you are on high alert, holding onto your phone anxiously awaiting their response. The longer the wait, the more your heart starts racing, your palms might get a bit sweaty and you feel a surge of nervous energy. That’s the adrenaline kicking in.
The Love Hormone
Oxytocin: This hormone is often called the "love hormone" or "cuddle hormone" because it's released when we engage in activities like hugging, cuddling, or sexual intimacy. Oxytocin is associated with feelings of trust, bonding, and social connection.
Example- You are spending quality time with your pet, and as you stroke their fur they nuzzle up to you, there is an overwhelming sense of comfort and connection. At that moment, when you feel that wave of warmth and contentment, your brain releases oxytocin.
Emotions and Hormone Interplay
Our emotions are not isolated events; they result from the intricate interplay between various hormones and neural pathways. For example:-
When you experience a stressful event, the brain's hypothalamus (which maintains balance in your body called homeostasis) signals the pituitary gland to release ACTH, prompting the adrenal glands to produce cortisol and adrenaline (stress hormones). These hormones prepare your body to handle the stressor.
On the flip side, when you experience joy or love, oxytocin and dopamine are released, creating feelings of happiness and bonding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hormones are pivotal players in the intricate world of emotions. It's important to note that the balance and regulation of these hormones can vary from person to person, and disruptions can lead to emotional disorders. Understanding their roles and how they interact can offer insights into emotional well-being and provide a foundation for addressing emotional disorders. So, the next time you're feeling happy, stressed, or even in love, know that it's your hormones doing a dance of their own inside you.
P.S
For everyone who feels a rush of dopamine when you learn scientific jargon or a clawing feeling inside of you when you are curious about something; here’s a summary for you guys.
Hormones, as chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands, intricately modulate human emotions through complex signalling pathways within the body. The hypothalamus, a pivotal neuroendocrine hub, governs the release of hormones from the pituitary gland, including adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and beta-endorphins.
The activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in response to emotional stimuli prompts the secretion of cortisol from the adrenal cortex, influencing emotional states and cognitive processes.
Simultaneously, the autonomic nervous system (which regulates involuntary actions) triggers the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal medulla, heightening arousal and contributing to the fight-or-flight response.
Oxytocin and vasopressin, synthesized in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary, participate in social bonding, trust, and emotional regulation, manifesting as affiliative behaviour.
Serotonin, derived from tryptophan and synthesized in enterochromaffin cells and neurons, plays a multifaceted role in mood regulation and emotional stability, modulating affective states and influencing behavioural responses.
The intricate interplay of these hormonal systems orchestrates the rich tapestry of human emotions, impacting physiological and psychological responses to external and internal stimuli.
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