How Parental Alienation Impacts Serotonin Levels.

Parental alienation is a troubling issue that affects many families, especially during and after divorce or separation.

It occurs when one parent tries to damage the relationship between a child and the other parent.

As this separation deepens, stress builds not only in emotional ties but also within the body’s chemistry, particularly serotonin levels.

In this article, we will discuss how parental alienation can lead to lower serotonin levels in parents and children, the mental health issues that may arise, and how to address these challenges.

If you're an alienated parent and need help with your situation then please join PAPA today.

At PAPA we have several free to use support spaces, as well as additional resources available to our Plus members, such as courses, PAPA AI and 1-2-1 help

What is Serotonin?

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps control mood, emotion, and behaviour.

Often called the "feel-good hormone," serotonin contributes to many bodily functions like digestion, sleep, memory, and social behaviour.

Serotonin is primarily produced in the brain and intestines.

When serotonin levels are healthy, people typically feel happy and well-adjusted.

When levels drop, issues like anxiety and depression can arise.

This is particularly relevant in the context of parental alienation, where feelings of rejection and conflict can greatly impact serotonin levels for everyone involved.

How Alienated Parents and Children Face Higher Risks

Parental alienation can create significant stress for both the targeted parent and the child.

This emotional strain can lead to biological changes that lower serotonin levels.

Studies reveal that chronic stress can hinder serotonin production.

In cases of parental alienation, the emotional chaos can elevate levels of stress hormones, particularly cortisol.

When cortisol levels remain high for too long, serotonin production can drop, leading to feelings of sadness and anxiety.

Children facing parental alienation often encounter confusion and guilt due to their parents’ conflicts.

For example, a study found that over 60% of children in high-conflict custody disputes reported feeling torn between their parents.

This emotional turmoil can perpetuate low serotonin levels, making it a cycle that's hard to break.

As a result, both parents and children may find themselves vulnerable to mental health issues.

The Psychological Consequences of Low Serotonin Levels

Low serotonin levels are associated with several psychological issues beyond just feeling low.

Depression

Low serotonin levels are often linked to major depressive disorder.

Individuals may feel persistent sadness, hopelessness, or disinterest in activities, known as anhedonia.

For those facing parental alienation, feelings of rejection can trigger depression.

A study showed that 75% of alienated parents experience symptoms of depression, stemming from feelings of being unwanted or unloved by their children, while kids may simultaneously struggle with conflicting loyalties between parents.

Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are another common issue tied to low serotonin.

Symptoms can include excessive worry, panic attacks, and social withdrawal.

Children affected by parental alienation may find it hard to make friends or perform well in school, leading to poor academic outcomes.

A 2018 report highlighted that children in high-conflict custody situations had twice as much difficulty in school compared to their peers.

Parents, too, may feel anxious about their status and ability to support their children, further impacting their mental well-being.

Suicidal Tendencies

In extreme cases, low serotonin levels can contribute to suicidal thoughts.

Chronic untreated anxiety and depression put affected individuals at a higher risk of considering self-harm.

Feeling isolated, whether as a parent or child, can intensify this risk.

A shocking statistic indicates that up to 40% of people with untreated depression and anxiety may experience thoughts of self-harm.

It’s crucial to recognise these thoughts and seek help to address them.

How to Treat Low Serotonin Levels

Treating low serotonin levels involves various approaches, including lifestyle changes and professional help.

Here are effective strategies:

Psychotherapy

Therapy, particularly cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can help address emotional issues linked to parental alienation.

In therapy, both parents and children can voice their feelings, develop resiliency, and learn effective coping mechanisms.

Nutritional Adjustments

Diet significantly influences serotonin production.

Including tryptophan-rich foods like turkey, eggs, and nuts can boost serotonin levels.

Studies indicate that a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables can improve mental health and cognitive function.

Regular Exercise

Exercise is a natural way to increase serotonin levels.

Studies suggest that regular physical activity can lower anxiety and depression symptoms, contributing to better mental health over time.

Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Techniques

Practices like mindfulness meditation and yoga can effectively reduce stress and enhance overall emotional well-being.

Research shows that mindfulness can lower cortisol levels and improve focus, helping to create a more stable emotional state.

Medication

In cases of severe depression or anxiety, doctors may prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which help manage mood disorders.

These medications should complement therapy and lifestyle changes for best results.

Building Support Networks

Encouraging active social interaction with friends, family, and support groups like PAPA can combat the isolation that often accompanies parental alienation.

Connecting with others can provide necessary emotional support for both parents and children.

Understanding the Effects and Seeking Help

Parental alienation poses significant threats to the emotional health of both parents and children.

Low serotonin levels can lead to serious mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.

Understanding the link between family conflicts and neurochemical health is vital for fostering healthier family environments.

By implementing comprehensive strategies that include therapy, lifestyle modifications, and social support, families can address the mental health impacts of parental alienation.

Awareness and proactive support can pave the way for healing, strengthening bonds, and building a brighter future for those affected by this challenging situation.

In need of help or support?

If you are an alienated parent reading this article and feel you are in need of help and support then please make sure to join PAPA today by signing up here on our website.

This will give you access to our community support forum as well as our Resource Centre, which includes downloadable guides and on-demand courses to help through the process of being alienated and regaining contact with your children.

We also have our Facebook support group that you can join here.

Our Facebook support group has several dedicated chat rooms where you can get immediate support.

If you are a member of PAPA you can also send us a message here on the website and we will try to get back to you as soon as possible but please bear in mind, we have hundreds of messages weekly so it may take us a while to get back to you.

We are currently prioritising PAPA Plus members due to high demand.

Regardless of circumstance you are not alone and at PAPA we are here to support you.

Become a PAPA Ambassador

If you like our resources, articles and support networks and agree with what we stand for then why not get involved and help us push PAPA further by joining our Ambassador Program?

We would love for you to join us and help spread awareness for parental alienation and all of the dynamics involved so that we can continue to help parents and children towards a better future.

Our Ambassador Program allows you to grow your involvement with the cause by earning points on your membership.

To earn points we have created rewards for actions such as completing one of our courses, booking a case review, or ordering supply.

We will be adding new rewards and actions to our Ambassador Program as we continue to grow our awareness efforts.

We want our members to feel rewarded for their support as we continue to look for new ways to improve the lives of those impacted by parental alienation.

You can also become a PAPA Plus member, which will give you exclusive access to even more help and resources.

Each PAPA Plus membership makes a huge difference to the cause as it really helps us to improve our services and our awareness campaigns.

Proceeds from memberships and supply allow us to push the cause much further towards raising awareness and improving our services and resources so that we can continue to help more and more parents and children.

Thank you for reading and for your continued support of PAPA and our mission to end parental alienation.