Neurology: Featured Writers (3)

Featured Writer: Soleil Murillo, California, USA

In January of 2021, I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. It freaked my mom out, and all of a sudden, she started paying attention to me and making sure I was comfortable. Even when I could only get out of bed to pee, and even that was one of the more challenging tasks of each day. It’s easy to identify the cause of my illness because of the global pandemic that shut everything down, and I’m sure if more people had the opportunity to consult a therapist, their diagnosis wouldn’t differ much from mine. But looking back on my mental and physical state fosters so many questions about the psychology of the human brain. Why does our social situation affect our minds so drastically?

The structure of our brains incorporates areas that have specific functions related to sociology and interactions with others. One of the key areas is the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in complex behaviors, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. When we are isolated or deprived of social interaction, this part of the brain can undergo changes that affect our mood and cognitive function.

Research has shown that social isolation can lead to increased levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which negatively impacts the brain over time. A study by the National Institute on Aging found that prolonged social isolation can lead to a 30% increase in the risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders. This is because our brains are wired to seek social connections; they play a crucial role in our mental health and well-being.

Moreover, social interactions stimulate the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone" or "social bonding hormone." Oxytocin helps reduce stress and fosters a sense of trust and bonding with others. When we lack social interaction, the absence of oxytocin can contribute to feelings of loneliness and depression.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which forced people into prolonged isolation, has provided real-world evidence of the significant impact of social deprivation. Many individuals experienced increased levels of anxiety and depression due to the sudden lack of social engagement and support. Studies conducted during the pandemic highlighted that individuals who maintained virtual social connections experienced lower levels of stress and anxiety compared to those who were more isolated.

Additionally, our social environment during formative years can shape the development and functioning of the brain. For example, children who experience neglect or lack of social interaction may have differences in brain structure and function compared to those raised in nurturing environments. The brain's plasticity means that it is constantly being shaped and reshaped by our experiences, and social interactions are a significant part of this process.

In conclusion, our social situation affects our brains profoundly. The pandemic has made it clear how critical social interactions are for our mental health. Understanding the neuroscience behind this can help us find better ways to cope with social isolation and prioritize mental health in times of crisis. The support of family, friends, and community, even if virtual, plays a crucial role in maintaining our mental health and well-being.

Meet the Author: Soleil Murillo - Rising Senior

Featured Writer: Valerie, Columbia (2)

Procrastination holds the role as the utmost sign of laziness or lack of ambition; if you aren't working, then

do you truly want to achieve your goal? But, instead, what if procrastination is a subconscious form of

self-compassion, to shield us from the fear of failure, the emotional strain, the pursuit of perfection?

The concept of perfectionism is driven into minds at an early age, with the idea that something is worthless

if not done to not just the highest possible quality one can achieve, but the highest possible level in total.

This chase for perfection ends up creating procrastination. The mind is a cognitive miser, meaning it will

always take the easiest path. The pressure of wanting to meet high expectations ends up paralyzing one,

leading the mind to enter a fight or flight state. We choose flight subconsciously, but why? Why do we panic

and freeze?

A common theory is that procrastination is really the brain’s way of protecting us. How can you fail if you

never even start? The mental freeze you may be feeling before you begin any large task may very well be

your brain trying to avoid anxiety preemptively. So what can we do? The answer is a lot easier to say than it

is to do, but in short; be kind. Be kind to yourself, and be patient. Know your abilities, and watch how

everything becomes just a bit easier.

Meet the Author: Valeria Ustariz - Rising Senior

Featured Writer: Aashna, Khambholja, California, USA (3)

What is Neurology and why is it important?

The study of neurology can date back to prehistoric times but academically, it did not begin until around the 16th century. Jean-Martin Charcot, a French neurologist, was known as “The Father of Modern Neurology” as he discovered various neurological disorders and had many named after him such as Charcot's artery, Charcot's joint, Charcot's disease, etc. Neurology is the branch of medicine that consists of diagnosing and treating conditions and diseases that have to do with the nervous system. The nervous system is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. The nervous system’s main job is to transmit signals between the brain and the body which coordinates its actions and sensory information. Without the nervous system, the body would be unable to communicate and send messages that control many aspects of the body like movement, feeling, and thinking. The most important part of the nervous system is the brain. The brain is known as the “crown jewel” of our body as it interprets our senses, initiates body movement, and controls our behavior. The next important aspect of the nervous system is the spinal cord. The spinal cord which is a part of the Central Nervous along with the brain carries messages between the brain and the body. These messages are in the form of electrical nerves that include motor signals that inform your muscles how to move as well as coordinate reflexes. The last important aspect of the nervous system is the nerves. The nerves carry electrical impulses between the brain and the body. They help all parts of the body communicate with each other as well as maintain functions like chewing, swallowing, and breathing. Overall, the nervous system is crucial as it coordinates all our bodily functions, enables communication between parts of the body, and allows us to respond to the environment around us.