The Sweet Balm: Unwrapping the Delightful Connenction Between Chocolate and Mood

Coping: Individuals attempt to cope with or manage stress through various coping strategies. Example: Coping strategies can be positive, such as exercise, meditation, or talking to someone, or negative, such as excessive alcohol consumption or avoidance.

Recovery or Adaptation:  After the stressor is removed or addressed, the body and mind tend to return to a state of balance and normal functioning. Example: Returning to daily activities with a normal level of energy or finding ways to adapt to life changes.

Understanding the stress process and developing stress management skills can help individuals cope more effectively with life challenges. And unprocessed stress can become depression.

According to Iyus Yosep (2007), depression is a form of mental disorder in the realm of emotions (affective mood) characterized by sadness, lethargy, loss of enthusiasm for life, lack of motivation, feelings of helplessness, guilt, or sin. Additionally, individuals may feel useless and desperate. And Chaplin (2002) defines depression in two states: in normal individuals and in pathological cases. In normal circumstances, depression is a state of melancholy (sadness, loss of spirit) marked by a sense of discomfort, decreased activities, and pessimism about the future. 

On the other hand, in pathological cases, depression involves an extreme unwillingness to react to stimuli, accompanied by a decline in self-worth, delusions of inadequacy, incapacity, and despair. One of the treatments for individuals suffering from depression is therapy. This is undertaken to enable patients to develop problem-solving skills akin to those of the general population. 

The rationale behind this lies in the fact that the same type of pressure can elicit different responses in each individual. For example, a particular stressors may be responded to normally by one person but could serve as a triggering factor for depression in another (Santrok, 2003). Such variations in responses can be attributed to differences in an individual's thought processes.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is frequently employed as a therapeutic approach for depression cases. This therapy aims to integrate behavioral and cognitive aspects based on three interconnected elements: emotions, thoughts, and behaviors (Oemarjoedi, 2003). 

CBT endeavors to address the intricate relationship between these elements, fostering a holistic approach to alleviating the symptoms of depression. A straightforward and accessible approach to alleviating depression involves incorporating specific foods and beverages into one's diet. This method is particularly effective as it facilitates the easy regulation and enhancement of mood, thereby activating the dopamine receptors in the brain (Sigh, 2014).

Have you ever heard about chocolate which can relieve stress? Yes chocolate can relive stress because there's some contain in chocolate that’s can to relive stress.  As we navigate the realms of sensory delight and scientific curiosity, the story of chocolate unfolds into a captivating narrative that stretches beyond the confines of mere indulgence. In this journey, the multifaceted nature of chocolate reveals itself through an intricate dance of chemical constituents, each playing a role in shaping not only the delectable taste but also the profound impact on human physiology and psychology. The symphony of flavors in chocolate, often celebrated for its heavenly taste, becomes a complex orchestra of biochemical interactions, as highlighted by Scholey's research in 2013. This exploration unveils chocolate's remarkable ability to act as a mood elevator by influencing the levels of dopamine and serotonin hormones. 

These neurotransmitters, crucial in regulating mood, sleep, and appetite, cast chocolate in the role of not just a delightful treat but a potential emotional well-being enhancer. The richness of chocolate extends beyond its taste to the active compounds residing within its cocoa goodness, a facet meticulously studied by Pase in 2013. Polyphenols and flavonoids emerge as silent heroes, contributing not only to the pleasurable taste but also possessing properties that can lower blood pressure and enhance neuropsychological function.

 The chocolate experience, it appears, is a harmonious blend of sensory pleasure and potential health benefits. Venturing into the molecular landscape, the seeds of chocolate harbor a treasure trove of phenolic phytochemicals, specifically flavanols, known as flavan-3-ols. Smith's insights from 2013 shine a light on the antidepressant effects of these flavanols, as demonstrated in experiments with rats undergoing forced swimming tests. The resilience displayed by these animals, coupled with a reduction in depressive behaviors induced by chronic fatigue, suggests that chocolate may possess therapeutic qualities beyond mere indulgence.