Our brains have numerous types of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals in our brain that allow signals to pass between neurons. We know that one of these neurotransmitters – dopamine – plays a role in producing and regulating our positive feelings. Put another way, high levels of dopamine equal feeling motivated to do things and good about the things we do. However, as dopamine levels drop so can our outlook on life. It may be that following the diagnosis and treatment of cancer you haven’t been very enthusiastic about or involved in many things, so as a result you may not have very high levels of dopamine. You will be happy to know, however, that we can trigger the release of dopamine by engaging in or even remembering pleasurable experiences like eating a favourite food, seeing friends, solving a puzzle, or generally accomplishing valued tasks. Yes, that’s right, engaging in or thinking about times when we did something pleasurable actually produces dopamine and in turn makes us feel good about ourselves.