Understanding Hormones and Mental Health

At Home Mind Therapy in Brisbane, we often support clients who are navigating challenges related to stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and emotional regulation. While these issues are deeply personal and complex, a common thread behind many emotional responses lies in our biology, particularly, our hormones.

Hormones are chemical messengers that affect everything from our mood and energy levels to our ability to feel connected, safe and motivated. Understanding how they work can help you make sense of your experiences and support your journey towards emotional wellbeing (Harvard Health, 2025).

Cortisol: The Stress Hormone

Cortisol is a popular hormone right now, with TikToks of “cortisol face” and “lowering cortisol” all over our FYPs. Cortisol is often referred to as the body’s primary stress hormone. It plays a crucial role in the “fight or flight” response and helps us respond to danger. In small doses, cortisol is helpful, it increases alertness, boosts energy and enhances memory (Cleveland Clinic, 2025).

But chronic stress can lead to consistently elevated cortisol levels, which may contribute to:

• Anxiety

• Difficulty sleeping

• Low mood

• Trouble concentrating

• Physical symptoms such as headaches or digestive issues

Therapy can help identify the sources of chronic stress and support healthy, personalised coping strategies that reduce cortisol over time.

Adrenaline: The Alertness Hormone

Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, works alongside cortisol in moments of stress or perceived danger. It increases heart rate, sharpens focus and prepares the body to react quickly (Health Direct, 2025).

For individuals with anxiety or trauma-related conditions, adrenaline may be triggered more frequently or intensely than is helpful. This can lead to feelings of restlessness, hypervigilance or emotional overwhelm.

With therapy, we use trauma-informed approaches to help regulate the nervous system and reduce the intensity of adrenaline-fuelled responses.

Oxytocin: The Connection Hormone

Often called the “love hormone”, oxytocin plays a key role in bonding, trust and social connection. It is released during moments of intimacy, physical touch and even acts of kindness (Harvard Health, 2025).

Low oxytocin levels may be linked to:

• Feelings of loneliness or disconnection

• Difficulty trusting others

• Symptoms of depression or attachment challenges

Therapeutic work can support the development of secure relationships, self-compassion and emotional safety, all of which can help increase oxytocin naturally.

Serotonin: The Mood Hormone

Serotonin helps regulate mood, sleep, appetite and emotional processing. It’s often targeted in antidepressant medications (SSRIs or SNRIs), and naturally supports a sense of calm, contentment and stability. It also helps the body heal, helps you sleep and helps with bowel movements (Healthline, 2025). Most of your serotonin is made in your gut, so eating a balanced diet with lots of vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats will support your gut to make more serotonin (IWC, 2024).

Low serotonin levels are commonly associated with:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Irritability

• Sleep disturbances

Therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), lifestyle changes and mindfulness can all play a role in improving serotonin function and emotional wellbeing.

Dopamine: The Motivation Hormone

Dopamine is closely linked to motivation, pleasure and reward. It’s the hormone that encourages you to pursue goals, experience joy and feel a sense of accomplishment. It is also the hormone closely linked to conditions such as ADHD and addiction (Cleveland Clinic, 2025).

Low dopamine may contribute to:

• Lack of motivation

• Low energy

• Difficulty experiencing pleasure (anhedonia)

• Procrastination or burnout

Counselling can help you rediscover what brings you meaning and fulfilment, while also exploring underlying blocks to motivation and self-worth.

Why Hormones Matter in Therapy

At Home Mind Therapy, we understand that mental health is not just about what you think or feel. It’s also deeply connected to what your body is doing. When clients understand the role of hormones, it often brings a sense of clarity and self-compassion.

You are not broken. Your brain and body are doing their best to protect you, even if it doesn’t always feel that way.

Our Brisbane-based therapy offers a warm, trauma-informed and evidence-based space to explore these patterns and find ways to regulate your nervous system, reconnect with your emotions and move forward with greater balance.