A current surge in gun violence may be connected to the pandemic. In reality, the pandemic, and what it is doing to our brains, may be fueling all types of risky behaviour and poor decision making.

Covid-19 has been first found in america in early 2020 and it is still with us. Mauseth says people are exhausted, mentally and emotionally, and that could impact the limbic system, which helps regulate emotions within the mind.

This dysregulation can make people to act more impulsively.

“We are tired and because people’s limbic system — which is the emotional center of the brain that is responsible for that regulation — we are dysregulated and as a result of this, it is easier for people to act more impulsively,” Mauseth said.

At precisely the same time, there has been a marked decline in depression and anxiety connected to the pandemic. Pandemic restrictions are being lifted, and simply stated, people are ready to have a little fun. And our brains have been wired for pleasure.

“There is a joy centre or a reward center, neurochemically in the mind that is responsible for processing and releasing dopamine and dopamine is the fact that neurotransmitter people crave since it makes us feel really good,” Mauseth clarified.

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But she says an exhausted brain that wants to feel good isn’t always a fantastic combination.

“Because we’re not as regulated, we aren’t as able to say, hm, you know, I don’t think that makes a lot of sense, or maybe not right now or maybe that’s too risky and I don’t want to potentially hurt myself or someone else,” Mauseth said.

Additionally, we’re entering the summer months.

Mauseth says there’s a link between increased summer temperatures and aggression. People tend to be out and more likely to encounter others, “So risks just generally tend to go up in the summer months.”