The Science Behind Emotions

April 13, 2023
The Science behind Emotions
Have you ever felt a sudden burst of emotion for no reason? Have you ever wondered about the origin of where all these emotions come from, and why different people in the same situation can have completely opposite reactions? For years, scientists have been working on uncovering the true origin of emotions. Neurologists have discovered that our emotions are shaped by our thoughts, so our prior experiences and our past are reflected in our emotions. For example, when you see a dog walking on the street you may feel excited to see a cute puppy because you have had a positive experience with dogs in the past. However, someone who has had a traumatic experience with dogs might feel anxiety in the same situation.
Emotions are controlled by different levels of chemicals in your brain. In any given situation, first, our brain interprets the situation by analyzing the past, and then the brain sends out signals through neurotransmitters which have different effects on your body. For instance, when you are in a situation where you feel endangered, your brain sends out fight or flight emotions, which cause an adrenaline rush and make your heart beat faster, or cause shaking. Then, when the danger is over, your brain sends out a calming hormone that causes your breath to return to normal and relax.
An emotion is a reflexive action that occurs almost immediately in your brain. Emotions are the mind’s way of reacting to and coping with situations. Therefore, your initial reaction to anything is shaped by your prior experiences. In conclusion, our emotions are shaped by our past experiences and are an essential part of human life.