[HPforGrownups] Chocolate

[Peg Kerr]

No: HPFGUIDX 2550

Eunice wrote:

> Just wondering... why is chocolate used to restore one's wamth after
> a chilly encounter with the Dementors?? Why not something else? My
> friend suggested that eating chocolate was perhaps like a joy to many
> and thus the use of it... But what if one doesn't particularly favour
> chocolate? Suggestions?
>
> Eu

As I understand it, and I don't remember where I picked up this information
(some interview or other), Rowling's invention of the dementors was based on
her own experience with clinical depression, right after coming back to
London, after her divorce.  When the dementors approach you, you are left
with only the worst experiences of your life, until you collapse.  You can't
think, you feel cold and despairing.  THAT's depression.

And it is true the chocolate is helpful for people suffering from
depression, for chemical reasons.  Again, I can't remember where I read
this, but some research has been done into the reasons why depressed people
crave and are helped by chocolate.  It has to do with the seratonin uptake
spots in the brain--something chemical in chocolate affect the same parts of
the brain which processes the chemicals that regulate mood.

(Help me out with the explanation, somebody; I never took biochemistry).

Anyway, I'm guessing that Rowling put that detail in because she found
eating chocolate helpful when she was depressed.

Peg