Falling into different states of mind is part of everyday life for people. Sometimes they feel down and sad, then again they are powerful and joyful and feel a great euphoria. Often there is no obvious explanation for one feeling or the other. Sometimes, however, the ability to feel euphoria can be prevented.
What is euphoria?
If one gets into an exuberant state of mind, this elation is also called euphoria. The word “euphoria” has its origin in the Greek language and means as much as “to take something lightly or to be able to bear it well”. If one gets into an exuberant state of mind, this elation is also called euphoria. This is a strong surge of emotion that usually lasts only a short time, but conveys a great sense of well-being and increased joy of life. As a rule, this state affects an individual, although there is also a kind of “communal euphoria,” such as during major sporting events, when an entire country goes into high spirits. In psychology, this term is also used for a state that can be caused by the consumption of intoxicants. In this case, the cause is the use of sometimes very dangerous substances.
Function and task
Unlike intoxicant use, a natural euphoric state often cannot be explained. A sudden unexpected moment of happiness or exaggerated joy, the causes can be quite different in nature. But no matter what the trigger is and, even if often short-lived, this elation makes you strong and reduces inhibitions and insecurity. In general, feelings of happiness have a positive effect on our body. We develop joy about our own achievements or find out what is good for us and drives us. One hormone that plays a special and important role in euphoria is dopamine. It makes us happy, satisfied and increases our willingness to perform. The more surprising and unexpected the feeling of happiness, the greater the effect. A kind of euphoria is often experienced in the case of professional or sporting success. Once this state has been experienced, people who are willing to perform in particular strive to achieve it again and again. Competitive athletes, for example, do everything they can to savor the elation of a victory again and again, and they almost get into a frenzy that drives them forward. The happiness hormone dopamine, which serves as a neurotransmitter here, also increases the desire for one’s own performance and also inhibits emerging fatigue and the feeling of hunger. Most euphoric states are short-lived, and the associated effects on our bodies are temporary. People do not always need absolute ecstasy to feel good about their bodies and surroundings. Just knowing that they are capable of these strong feelings drives them forward. However, to fall into a certain euphoria too often or to try to willfully bring about this state also carries a certain danger. Not always is this intoxication, into which the person thereby falls, only positive and as with the enjoyment of forbidden substances, the pursuit of intoxication can become a problem.
Diseases and ailments
A certain addiction to these brief “ecstatic” moments of happiness can develop, which can have effects similar to those of a “real” addiction. Unlike the happiness hormone serotonin, the dopamine released during euphoria carries certain dangers. It increases the willingness to take risks and reduces the inhibitions and warning signals that come naturally. It arouses desire for greater achievements and recognition. The happiness hormone serotonin, on the other hand, does not have as intense an effect for a long time, but it is more lasting. It also conveys a relaxed feeling of being alive, but the effects on the body are less extreme. Getting into a euphoric state once in a while is completely harmless and, on the contrary, even beneficial. However, if a person becomes “addicted” to it, a disease can develop from it. Hyperactivity and restlessness are just some of the effects on our bodies. Euphoria can also be triggered by abuse of harmful substances and drugs, as well as in people addicted to certain medications. Even with herbal agents, such as ginseng, ecstasy can be triggered when overdosed.The topic of “euphoria” also plays a major role in medicine for certain diseases. Manic-depressive people, for example, fluctuate between great euphoria and deep depression. In their high phases, they feel strong and are able to perform, but afterwards they fall into a deep hole. In all bipolar disorders, the mental and psychological balance is lost. The greater the euphoria, the worse the crash and the dejection afterwards. In addictive disorders, these symptoms are also part of the patient’s everyday life. In medicine, there is the term “unproductive euphoria,” which is characterized by a lack of drive and motivation. If the otherwise healthy person becomes a dopamine junkie, he lives quite dangerously from this point on. The kick needed to trigger the euphoria becomes more and more reckless. As the inhibition threshold drops and dangers are underestimated, injuries or overdoses can occur more easily. The connection to reality disappears and the compulsion to succeed or get high may well develop into a serious addiction.
