Hannah Brooks’ piece explains the central nervous system (CNS) and its role in how we experience emotions and mental health. The CNS, which includes the brain and spinal cord, processes information from our surroundings and helps us react automatically when needed.
The work compares what happens in a “happy brain” versus a “sad and depressed brain.” A happy brain has more gray matter, which helps us process emotions. It also produces more feel-good chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, making us feel positive. In contrast, a depressed brain has less gray matter, struggles to process emotions, and doesn’t release enough of these chemicals. Instead, it has higher cortisol levels (a stress hormone), which can shrink the brain and slow down how neurons connect and communicate.
The piece uses research to show how changes in the brain’s structure and chemicals affect how we feel and think, highlighting how important the CNS is to our mental health. It’s a clear look at what’s going on in our brains when we’re happy or struggling.
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Hannah Brooks’ piece explains the central nervous system (CNS) and its role in how we experience emotions and mental health. The CNS, which includes the brain and spinal cord, processes information from our surroundings and helps us react automatically when needed.
The work compares what happens in a “happy brain” versus a “sad and depressed brain.” A happy brain has more gray matter, which helps us process emotions. It also produces more feel-good chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, making us feel positive. In contrast, a depressed brain has less gray matter, struggles to process emotions, and doesn’t release enough of these chemicals. Instead, it has higher cortisol levels (a stress hormone), which can shrink the brain and slow down how neurons connect and communicate.
The piece uses research to show how changes in the brain’s structure and chemicals affect how we feel and think, highlighting how important the CNS is to our mental health. It’s a clear look at what’s going on in our brains when we’re happy or struggling.