Happy Chemicals and the Brain
Introduction
- Feeling good is linked to the release of four main chemicals: dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins.
- These chemicals are meant to reward survival behaviors, not to provide constant pleasure.
- Our understanding of survival includes some quirky behaviors to feel good.
- These chemicals are inherited from earlier mammals, and their control is shared among all mammal brain structures.
Key Points about Each Chemical
Dopamine
- Released during steps towards a reward.
- Example: A monkey seeing reachable fruit.
- Dopamine surges with each step toward a reward but stops once the reward is obtained.
- Dopamine pathways are built in youth and guide behavior today.
- New dopamine pathways can be built through repetition.
Serotonin, Oxytocin, and Endorphin
- Each chemical has its own role in building neural pathways.
- Temporary surges signal a need to repeat behaviors for more surges.
- Continuous need for these surges to feel good.
Brain Evolution and Behavior
- The brain evolved to promote survival, not constant pleasure.
- Happy chemicals are not intended to be on all the time; ups and downs are natural.
- New pathways can be built to experience more happy chemicals in healthy ways.
Conclusion
- Understand and accept the natural rhythm of happy chemicals.
- Resources are available at the Inner Mammal Institute to help make peace with your inner mammal.