In my last blog post, I talked about how I was doing a project on how different mental illnesses change the shape/structure of the brain. I realize that that might have been a little vague haha, and in this post I aim to dive deeper into how that actually works and share more about it. Essentially, the separate parts of the brain are inflamed or shifted when different mental illnesses have taken root in the brain. For example, a schizophrenic brain and a normal brain will look totally different when looking at brain scans. To dive into the specifics more, each brain contains neurons, at least 100 billion of them. These neurons are essential to our brain, allowing us to do the things we can do: breathe, blink, solve complex math problems, exercise and so much more. These neurons are messengers and they send signals from our brain to our body, telling us to perform actions that we do without thinking (typing on a keyboard, turning our head, petting our dog). Neurons need to communicate with each other, and they do so through gaps called synapses. In order for the signals to interact, they need to send electrical signals across the gap. When the electrical signal is in the gap and is going to reach the other neurons, that signal releases a neurotransmitter. Some examples of neurotransmitters include dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters can have a large impact on how the brain changes and how mental illness is caused in the brain. In the brains of those with depression, there are fewer amounts of serotonin passing between neurons. Since serotonin controls emotions, this can mean that there is a lack of control over what those who are depressed are feeling. Antidepressants increase the amount of serotonin passing between neurons, elevating control of moods. Another example of how neurotransmitters affect the brain is PTSD. Those who suffer from PTSD share the characteristic of having flashbacks, which norepinephrine (a neurotransmitter that kicks on when someone is in a high stress situation and elevates muscular activity, heart rate, and blood pressure) has a part in. What I’m trying to say here is that the brain is a very important part of the body, and people should start thinking of mental illness as a serious and sometimes fatal condition. Just like if your heart stopped beating, think of mental illness as if your brain stopped working. While mental illness is not as visible as a broken arm in a cast, it is far more serious not only to the person suffering from it and to others around him or her.
Check out this site to learn more: https://stoneridgecenters.com/how-mental-illness-affects-the-brain/
Out of My Mind 