A Message from Me to Me

Taking a closer look inside our heads, we may find that the chemicals that may influence our minds are greatly affected by external events.

Messengers in action.Neurotransmitters released from synapses to relay "messages" or instructions to target cells. Source: https://www.midcitytms.com/serotonin-and-dopamine-getting-to-know-your-neurotransmitters/

The brain is a supercomputer packed at the top of our heads. As the master- “mind”, it has several helpers which may help carry out tasks to maintain homeostasis. There are a myriad of neurochemicals which participate as modulators, messengers, inhibitors, and excitors.

The messengers, known as neurotransmitters, carry out certain messages in order for the rest of the body to be able to function well. These chemical messengers vary in function and purpose. Some transmit messages for cognitive processes such as acetylcholine. Some have modulatory functions such as serotonin and dopamine. Others may even influence our emotions.

Common neurotransmitters that govern our emotions and health are the monoamines serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Serotonin, aside from being a neurotransmitter, is also a hormone. Serotonin regulates our mood and anxiety. Targeting this hormone with inhibitors may alleviate anxiety and improve one’s mood. Serotonin cell bodies can be found in our gut and in our brains. In the brain, it is found clustered in the medulla and midbrain. The amino acid tryptophan, found in the food we eat, is converted into serotonin in our brains. Norepinephrine, on the other hand, is involved in the body’s fight-or-flight response. It is highest during times when we feel most stressed. It also plays a part in our ability to concentrate! Release of norepinephrine elevates our heart rate, and encourages our body to increase its sugar levels to give that additional energy boost. Its cell bodies are located in the medulla and pons. Another neurotransmitter, dopamine, makes us feel good. External stimuli that we may consider positive, such as receiving a gift or hugging someone, releases dopamine. Dopamine is so powerful that it makes us crave for things or experiences which can trigger its release. Its cell bodies are found primarily in the midbrain. Dopamine comes from tyrosine, an amino acid, which is converted to dopa and finally into dopamine. The right mix and amount of these different chemicals affects our mood and general well-being.

The emotions we feel are important as these play a part in adaptive behavior and survival. Fear and anxiety manifest during unfamiliar situations and the current situation we are placed in is definitely out of ordinary. Inside the brain, the amygdala has been pointed out to mediate fear and emotional memory. This almond shaped structure may affect neurotransmitter systems, as its central nucleus contains dopamine and norepinephrine cell bodies, two messengers which we have identified for regulating mood. The amygdala can also be affected by the hormones adrenaline and cortisol which prepares the body for a fight-or-flight response.

Disruption in the brain monoamines are also linked with negative emotions and depression. Stressful external stimuli may deplete levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. This affects not only our mental health, but also our physical health. Medicines which have the ability to increase the levels of the said chemicals such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors and serotonin reuptake inhibitors are used as antidepressants.

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only affected people physically but also mentally. The uncertainty of the development of a vaccine, the concern for fellow Filipinos, the extended lockdown, or simply the lack of physical touch are some stimuli which may offset the balance of chemicals in our brain. This means that the anxiety and sadness that we feel right now is not a strange thing at all rather it is a natural emotion to feel during a confusing and chaotic time.

Studies have shown that during a pandemic, the number of people affected mentally tend to be greater than those infected. Thus, it is not peculiar that we tend to feel higher levels of anxiety or fear than is the norm. Conditions of those with pre-existing psychiatric disorders may also worsen. Those infected with the virus may also experience fear, anger and insomnia. The effect the pandemic can have mentally can possibly last longer than the economic or social repercussions.

In order to lessen the feelings of stress, we may try several coping mechanisms. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises taking a break. Every once in a while, try and disconnect from social media and lessen exposure to stressful news. It also helps that we do things that we enjoy doing. We can take up old hobbies or simply unwind by watching a Netflix movie in bed. Being aware can also be a form of coping mechanism. Knowing what to do if we are sick, knowing where to get treatment, and knowing accurate information may appease our minds.

Understanding the biochemistry of our emotions is one thing, doing something about it is another thing altogether. Everyone has different problems from each other. Everyone is faced daily with all sorts of stressful stimuli. For some, it can be going to work as a frontliner or finding work. For some, it can be the overwhelming load of online classes. That is why, no matter what anyone says, it’s okay to take it one day at a time, and maybe be that dose of dopamine for others.