How the Amygdala Shapes Our Choices 💭

The amygdala is like your brain's built-in emotional radar...

Have you ever looked back at a decision and thought, “Why did I do that? I didn’t even think about the consequences!”

You’re not alone. The truth is, our choices aren’t only guided by logic — they’re also influenced by emotions and by a small part of the brain called the amygdala.

Meet Your Amygdala

The amygdala is like your brain’s built-in “emotional radar.” It helps you:

• Notice when something feels exciting or dangerous.

• Connect emotions to your experiences (like remembering fear from a close call, or joy from a happy moment).

• React quickly — sometimes even before your logical brain has time to weigh in.
  

A Real-Life Example

Imagine a teenager at home on a Friday night. Their friends text: “Come out, it’ll be fun!” Without much thought, they sneak out — heart racing with excitement. In that moment, the amygdala is driving the bus, chasing the thrill of being with friends. What’s missing? The pause to think, “What if I get caught? What if something happens?”

On the other hand, picture an adult who gets invited to try something new — maybe speaking at an event or joining a social group. Instead of feeling excited, their amygdala sounds the alarm: “Too risky, stay safe!” Even though the situation isn’t dangerous, their brain is flooded with fear, making it hard to take a healthy step forward.

When the Amygdala Isn’t Fully Developed

For kids, teens, and even young adults, the amygdala is still growing and connecting with other parts of the brain. That’s why younger people often act more impulsively or take risks without thinking them through. The “pause and reflect” part of the brain (the prefrontal cortex) is still catching up.

When the Amygdala Works Overtime

On the flip side, an overactive amygdala can make life feel overwhelming. Instead of rushing into decisions, someone may feel constant worry, fear, or hesitation. Even safe situations can feel threatening.

Finding Balance

The good news? We can learn to work with our brains. In therapy, we help clients:

• Slow down and create space between emotion and action.

• Build awareness of patterns — whether that’s acting too quickly or holding back too much.

• Practice skills like mindfulness and grounding to keep decision-making balanced.
  

At Desta Therapy, we know the brain and emotions are deeply connected — and we’re here to support you in building healthier ways of navigating both.

🌱 We’re open 7 days a week, offering in-person counseling for children, teens, adults, couples, and families in San Antonio, Texas. Reach out to to schedule a free, virtual consultation with us today!