Often when people are feeling depressed, a sense of hopeless washes over them, and that can create a heavy sense of despair which will impact all aspects of their lives. People begin to think that they are broken beyond repair and can never get better, but that too is an automatic negative thought that can be challenged with scientific evidence. The following information is based on scientifically proven data regarding brain function, referred to as neuroplasticity. The purpose of this article is to inform the reader and provide a very important component to mental health—Hope.
Neuroplasticity is the ability of our brain to formulate new connections and neuro-pathways. Simply put, our brain has the capability to rewire itself by forming new neural connections throughout our life. This rewiring process allows the brain to adapt in response to learning, experiences or sustained injury, such as in stroke victims.
For example, when we learn a new skill or acquire knowledge, or challenge negative thoughts, our brain modifies its structure and function, facilitating improved cognitive performance. Neuroplasticity also plays an important role by rerouting functions. This adaptability highlights the potential for learning and acquiring new patterns of thoughts and behaviors to create and maintain cognitive health.
To get a little scientific, this phenomenon is influenced by processes such as synaptic pruning, where unused connections are eliminated and the creation of new synapses in response to behavior and learning start to form. This has been proven to impact cognitive abilities, emotional regulation and overall mental well-being.
Let’s put the science aspect aside and visualize walking to school on the first day. You start to walk through an open field and you come upon a forest. The wooded area is dense, filled with debris, limbs and underbrush, void of any paths. After the first few days a path doesn’t appear, but after the first week, second week, the third grade, the fourth grade up to your senior year, you never have to look for that path again, it was always right there, the worn-out path of least resistance. You remember the exact location of the path because you have walked it every day for years, you subconsciously have become familiar and comfortable with the route. Our brain works the same way with thoughts, patterns of behaviors and cognitive performance.
Now I’m asking you to look at that old, subconscious path of least resistance, and walk about 100 feet to your right and forge a new trail. One of positive self-talk, new experiences, exercise, and positive behavior modifications. Just like in the woods, there will undoubtedly be resistance to creating this new path. Rest assured there will be twigs, branches, stones, leaves and thorns that will pierce your skin at times. But over time and the course of our lives, a new pathway will begin to appear, and just as in nature, the old path will become overgrown and inaccessible. This is neuroplasticity.
Hopefully this provides a measure of comfort to people that are struggling right now and need to hear that they are not broken. We all have the ability to rewire. So, grab that proverbial shovel and machete and forge that new beginning.