Depression

When stress becomes too great, our body goes into the “fight or flight” response. Our brain gives us two choices: We can run from the thing that is causing the stress (flight), or we can stand firm and face it (fight). To prepare us for the choice we make, our body produces hormones. These chemicals help us react under pressure. One common stress-fighting hormone is adrenaline.

Stress is very hard on the body. It is particularly hard on the endocrine system, which is in charge of producing hormones. Under constant stress, the endocrine glands get out of balance. They produce too much or too little of the different chemicals our bodies need.

The master gland of the endocrine system is the thyroid. This complex gland affects many body functions, especially growth. It works closely with the adrenal gland, which produces adrenaline for fight or flight. A person whose thyroid is too active may show signs of mania. He or she may be hyperactive and have trouble sleeping. When the thyroid is under-active, the body can go into depression. The person becomes exhausted. He or she has little energy.

When our hormone balance is upset, it has a great effect on our emotions. A chemical imbalance in our body can change our mood, our mind, and our feelings.