Hormones regulate the inner processes of the human body. They may influence everything in the organism: growth, mood, immune system, metabolism, and reproductive cycle. It is clear that disorders of glands, and therefore the hormone production, also have their impact on physical and mental health.
The term “hormonal imbalance” is often used to describe mental disorders such as depression.
Depression is a state of despondency marked by feelings of powerlessness and hopelessness (Coon G4). The state of depression results from the disorders in the functions of neurotransmitters (chemicals that enable the transmission of signals in the brain). For instance, menopause causes many changes in the body and the brain as well. These changes are regulated by hormones. Many scientists note that often the period of depression occurs simultaneously with the start of menopause.
Hormones that influence depression are estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol. Estrogen boosts serotonin, which helps to love depression, increases neurotransmitters and the level of endorphins. Progesterone balances estrogen, promotes sleep and natural calming, this hormone acts as a natural antidepressant. A low level of these hormones can lead to bad moods, sadness, and hopelessness. Cortisol is a stress hormone. A high level of Cortisol causes agitation, insomnia, and sugar cravings. A low level of this hormone is associated with weak resistance to stress, strong fatigue, and an unstable emotional state.
Hormonal disorders influence the human organism in many aspects. The hormonal imbalance may cause psychological disorders as depression and insomnia, as well as physical illnesses such as Addison’s disease.
Socialization of children
Social life is utterly important for the mental health and socialization of children. They need parents to care about them and help to become a part of society. However, parental care cannot cover all the needs of a child. It is important that children communicate within their peer group.
A Peer group is a group of people who share the same social status. When a person belongs to a certain peer group, it gives him or her, the feeling of safety, the sense of identity apart from the family circle. When children meet, play or study at school, they enter into relations with their contemporaries learn to live in society. Children communicate with their fellows and form their worldview. This is the way to prepare for adulthood. The mental health and further life of a child depend on the experience acquired at an early age.
Foreclosure may be rather dangerous for the child’s emotional state and ability to socialize. If a child moves from one area to another, he or she has to enter a new society and enter into new social relations. For many children it may make it a great difficulty to find new friends. In a new group a child has to adjust to new rules. Frequently such children are subject to stress, they lag behind the fellows in school studies.
To sum it up, peer groups play a very important role in the social life and formation of children. In the groups of children of similar social status, they adapt to life in society. If the peer group is changed, it may lead to crucial consequences: such as stress and depression.
References
Adler, A., & Adler, P. (1998). Peer Power: Preadolescent Culture and Identity. New Brunswick, USA: Rutgers University Press.
Coon, D. & Mitterer, J.(2010). Psychology: A Journey. Belmont, USA: Wadsworth Publishing.