What Happens To Your Brain When You Suffer?
Experiencing suffering, sorrows and disappointments is part of being human and at the same time such experiences develop you as a person. We learn from our mistakes and become wiser by our mistakes. Today we will learn more about this dimension of our emotions and what actually happens in our brain when we suffer.
1. The brain is shaped when you suffer
You’ve probably thought about this before. Throughout life and with repeated disappointments, noticeable changes occur in the brain that inevitably affect your personality. Think of children for example. Some children experience abuse at an early age. There is nothing more devastating than such painful childhood experiences. Doctors and psychologists tell us that the fact that we suffer in this way can be compared to what a soldier in combat is exposed to.
Persistent fear, high alertness and continuous sadness can lead to brain disorders and trigger specific neurotransmitters. The parts of the brain that are associated with the feeling of fear are stimulated. This stimulation can generate long-term consequences for the personality; insecurity, anger, depression or violence.
Of course, these reactions are not the same all over the world, but the chances of the brain being affected in some way are high. Think, for example, of a marriage in which one person has been abused. Eventually, this endless disorder affects the brain in such a way that the person ends up in a state of helplessness, which results in depression, anger and frustration. It is important to keep this in mind.
2. You learn when you suffer
Life is not meant to be a dance of roses and eternal happiness, or a straight path without stones. You know that there are many pleasant emotions we can learn from, but there is little doubt that suffering is a greater teacher. It may be the best, but it can also be quite ruthless.
As they say, he who has not suffered has not lived. Maybe it’s an exaggeration, but it’s still worth keeping in mind. We all learn from our mistakes and losses. One who refuses to learn from his mistakes has not understood what life is: a continuous learning process. If you do not accept your losses, it will be impossible to get over them and move on in life. Eventually one becomes stronger.
Suffering is not pleasant. We know that. But it should also not be an obstacle for the rest of life, or an excuse to close all doors. Your inner self, your strength and your will are the engines that can ignite your ability to overcome suffering. Do not forget it.
3. Suffering seeks redemption
Do not let the disorder build up without you learning to deal with it. Trying to live with the pain can cause many problems in your brain: high levels of cortisol, stress, inability to learn new things, memory loss… Gradually you become weaker, your health deteriorates and your emotional strength will fade.
If you are able to free yourself, then do it! If someone hurts you, answer it. If something presses you, find a place where you can breathe and get free. Let your eyes fill with tears, cry when you need to. Find your voice and tear down the walls that hurt you. No one deserves suffering, especially not of the type that has no end.
Always look for a solution to your problems, if you have the opportunity. It will be worth it for both yourself and your health.
