You’re More Than A Neurotransmitter

One aspect I often encounter when working with clients is the notion that neurotransmitters are the fundamental crux of their concerns. While it is indeed true that psychotropic medications may be necessary for addressing mood disorders, it’s not how we typically experience life. I’ve yet to meet someone who had a thrilling or disheartening moment and immediately thought, “Ah, that’s my serotonin running low, or I’m experiencing a dopamine surge!” and then adjusted their perspective accordingly. No, our pain is real, and our joy is equally genuine, just as it is for you. Our experiences are a complex amalgamation of sensations, thoughts, perceptions, past experiences, and interpretations.

The renowned existential psychologist Viktor Frankl astutely recognized this issue in the 1960s and called it “reductionism.” This term captures the temptation to simplify complex matters down to a single variable.

I wholeheartedly concur with Dr. Frankl’s perspective. It’s easy to overlook the broader tapestry of our lives and miss the profound meaning woven into our experiences. Returning to our initial discussion about the physiological aspects of mental health issues, it’s crucial to acknowledge that while such knowledge is valuable, it only scratches the surface. Mental health challenges are often far more intricate than, for example, treating high blood pressure or reducing cholesterol levels.