In the vast field of mental health, biochemistry and psychology are highly intertwined creating a tapestry of complexities that serve to ground our emotional experiences. Neurotransmitters serve as our body’s chemical messengers, transmitting messages from various neurons. Monoamine neurotransmitters mediate emotion, attention, consciousness and cognition. Our emotions are regulated by 3 monoamine neurotransmitters: norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. An imbalance in neurotransmitters can contribute to a number of mood disorders, including depression and anxiety. These three neurotransmitters are responsible for regulating different functions. Norepinephrine for arousal and attention, serotonin for mood and sleep, dopamine for pleasure, satisfaction and motivation.  

 

Serotonin helps to regulate anxiety, sleeping patterns, mood, appetite and more. It is an inhibitory neurotransmitter meaning that it decreases the activity of neurons in the nervous system, making sure that brain function stays within its optimal levels. When serotonin is at its normal levels, we tend to feel more focused, happier, emotionally stable and calmer. Dopamine is often known as the ‘feel-good’ hormone, giving us a sense of pleasure. It is released when we do something that makes us feel good, communicating between the nerve cells in our brain and body. It is made from tyrosine which is an amino acid from food, getting more of this can boost dopamine levels in our brain meaning that a diet rich in tyrosine can improve mental performance and memory. Some foods that are high in tyrosine include dairy foods, avocados and bananas. Norepinephrine increases heart rate and blood pressure, it is mainly stored in the neurons of the sympathetic nervous system. Having too high or too low levels of norepinephrine can lead to a multitude of health conditions including depression, anxiety, high blood pressure and more. It plays a crucial role in mood, attention and stress, norepinephrine helps to mobilize the brain for action and can also improve attentiveness and energy. Regulating mood through these neurotransmitters includes strategies such as consuming a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, sunlight exposure and more.

 

Neuroplasticity is the ability of the nervous system to change and reorganize its activity and synaptic connections especially in response to experience. It is the process of rewiring the brain by forming new connections and weakening old ones. This occurs when we are learning a new skill, feeling a certain emotion or thinking in a specific way. This new way of feeling, thinking or doing becomes second nature, if it is practiced enough then the pathway strengthens and the old pathway weakens. This explains how our brains are pliable hence we are able to change, adapt and grow. Through this, we can change our brain development in positive or negative ways. It balances mood, sharpens cognitive function and keeps people motivated. Neuroplasticity can help us strengthen neural pathways that serve and benefit us and reduce those that don’t. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common type of talk therapy that allows people to retrain their brain and make these positive changes. Other activities including physical exercise and changing one’s diet are also activities that promote neuroplasticity. 

 

Regulating mood is crucial for several reasons. Not only does it benefit mental and physical health, it also encourages better quality of life, healthier social relationships and increased productivity and performance. It is important to regulate mood through neurotransmitters by involving various choices and activities that will positively influence these neurotransmitters. Individuals are able to optimize their mental state to truly achieve their best in life by incorporating concepts such as promoting neuroplasticity that are aimed at enhancing our brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt throughout life. 
 

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Works Cited: 
Works CitedCleveland Clinic (2022). Neurotransmitters: What They Are, Functions & Types. [online] Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22513-neurotransmitters.
‌Lifestance Health. (2020). Change Your Brain: How Neuroplasticity Offers Hope. [online] Available at: https://lifestance.com/blog/change-your-brain-neuroplasticity-hope/.
‌Berry, J. (2019). Neurotransmitters: What they are, functions, and psychology. [online] www.medicalnewstoday.com. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326649.