If thinking happy thoughts/experiencing “good” things releases dopamine and serotonin in the brain, what exactly happens to the brain for us to feel “bad” when we think bad thoughts/experience “bad” things?

Question

Emotions seem complex but kinda really are nothing more than just chemical reactions in the brain. If I take a bite out of a delicious burger, I feel satisfied simply because of a near instant boost of serotonin/dopamine in the brain. But what chemical reaction in the brain happens that I feel a near instant feeling of being bummed when I receive bad news, like if I miss a train and curse in disappointment?

So if happiness is merely a chemical reaction of having too much serotonin/dopamine than usual, does being bummed or pissed off sort of… like *drain* the brain of these? or are there hormones that are released that achieve the “opposite” effect of feel good hormones like dopamine/serotonin?

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In: 16

Answer 1

Emotions are far more complex than simple chemicals, and neurotransmitters and hormones manage a lot more than emotions, but to simplify…cortisol is the main one associated with stressful situations