Depression
One of the most prominent and potentially dangerous emotions experienced by
humans is depression. Many psychologists are taught and trained to treat depression
through the analysis of a person’s life and their past experiences.
The existence of the actual emotion can be explained biologically due to chemicals
released in the brain.
In the center of the brain there is a small gland known as the pineal body
which produces a hormone known as melatonin, a
precursor to serotonin. When produced in large quantities, melatonin causes
one to become lethargic and depressed.
Aspects of our everyday life can help decrease the production of melatonin.
Therefore, depression isn’t something that one is stuck with and out
of your control. For example, when the body is exposed to sunlight, the production
of melatonin is reduced. In addition, walking along the beach smelling the
salty air, walking in the rain, having snow blown in your face, and breathing
the air filled with charged particles after a lightening storm all help us
feel a comfortable sensation; we experience positive emotions due to these
natural aspects of our environment.