Emotions are conscious phenomena of the mind that arise from many processes that are out of consciousness. They arise from body sensations, hormone-neurotransmitter levels and chemical states, microbial substances, sensory information from the present environment, sensory information from other humans and animals, memories, thoughts and beliefs.

Fear, anger, disgust, shock are unpleasant emotions that motivate us to action. They are protective and produce a rapid response when there is danger. They arise when there is immediate danger and activate the sympathetic nervous system. This leads to increased breathing and heart-rate, tense muscles and the mind focuses on the danger.

Shame and sorrow are unpleasant emotions that motivate us to withdraw from the group. They are protective and stop us from doing things that are unacceptable to the group. They motivate us to value others and protect them.

Joy, interest and love are pleasant emotions that motivate us to do things that increase our survival. They motivate us to eat healthy food, sit in the sun, explore, try to understand things, problem solve, look after and value family and friends.

Emotions arise from what is actually happening and from our thoughts and beliefs. If we believe or think we may be hurt in some way - we feel fear, anger or shock - even if there is no actual physical danger.

Our clever, busy minds evolved in a very dangerous world with an unreliable food supply. We naturally worry and think the worst “there is a tiger in the tree, we will run out of food, people won’t like me and I will be thrown out of the group and die”. Living in a close group of family and friends we would comfort, protect and calm each other down with reassurance, logic, laughter, stories and song. When we spend a lot of time alone or just with one or two people it can be very difficult to calm down our worrying mind and we become prone to anxiety and depression.