Most mental illnesses including depression, have some roots in our chemistry. Reestablishing harmony in your brain chemistry will help in any state of mental.
One of many current theories about chemical imbalance has to do with Neurotransmitters. These are the chemicals that carry messages between the synapses in your brain, as far as I understand. There are two that are often referred to – Serotonin and Dopamine (dopamine being a building block of norepinephrine). The following is a somewhat simplified chart concerning these two neurotransmitters.
Serotonin
Associated with: Fight (face) or Flight (flee or escape)
High Serotonin: peace of mind, concentration, well-being, Personal security, relaxation,self-confidence, positive thoughts, spiraling up, energy and enthusiasm, clear thinking
Low Serotonin: mood decline or spiraling down, low energy and fatigue, confusion, feelings of guilt and unworthiness, aggression, violence, thoughts of suicide, dulled or slowed thinking, feelings of isolation,
Serotonin Boosters: positive thoughts, gratitude, meditation, prayer, medication, healthy carbohydrate-rich foods, relaxed exercise such as walking, peaceful music, service to others, decrease of sugar, caffeine, movement, whole grains, veggies, enjoying nature passively, writing in a journal, gratitude journals, high disclosure, relaxed personal entertainment, confrontation avoidance,
Dopamine and( Part o)f Norepinephrine
High Dopamine: heightened ability to solve problems, energy, arousal, assertiveness, awareness and alertness, body activity, speeding up of thoughts, quick reactions, willpower, ncreased sex drive
Low Dopamine: lethargy, weakness, fear, sluggish thinking, weight gain, decreased sex drive, memory loss,
Too Much Dopamines: anxiety, paranoia, delusion, excessive nervous tension, fear, aggression, sleep disturbance, social isolation, excessive energy, inability to sit still, isomnia, elevated heart rate, disorientation, weight loss,
Dopamine Boosters: Vigorous exercise, protein foods, competitive exercise, exciting activities, fish and sea food, caffeine, planning projects, activities, lively music, active and group entertainment such as sports, taking risks, medication
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