Is depression contagious? How?

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1. Is depression contagious?

Depression and other moods are delightfully contagious. Research has shown that depression isn't the only thing that can spread from person to person. Smoking and quitting behaviors were spread through social relationships both near and far. If your friend quits smoking, you are actually more likely and motivated to quit as well.
Suicides are also found in clusters. One study found that in both men and women, if a person has a friend who died by suicide, there is an increased likelihood of their own suicidal ideation or intention. The contagious nature of depression may work in a similar way, including the cyber phenomenon, social contagion theory, and group emotional contagion theory.
Is depression contagious? All that happens in emotional contagion is the transference of moods, behaviors, and emotions among people in a group. And this grouping doesn't have to be just close friends and loved ones, research shows it can extend to three degrees of separation. This means that if your friend is depressed, you will still be at a higher risk of developing depression. Of course, this also works for happiness, as do alcohol and drug use, food consumption, and loneliness.

2. How is depression spread?

Contagious depression is not as easy as sharing a drink with someone with depression. Researchers are all trying to figure out exactly how emotions are transmitted. So some studies show that it can happen in a number of ways like:
Social comparison: When we surf social media or when we are with other people, we often determine our values ​​and feelings. ourselves based on the emotions of the things that affect us. However, comparing yourself to others, especially those with negative thinking patterns, can sometimes be harmful to your mental health. Interpreting emotions: This depends on how you interpret other people's feelings. Your friends' feelings and nonverbal cues act as information to your brain. Especially with the virtual information of the internet and messages, you may interpret the information differently or negatively than intended. Empathy: Being an empath is a good thing. Empathy is the ability to share and understand the feelings of another. But in case you are too focused or trying to put yourself in the shoes of someone who is depressed, you may also start experiencing these symptoms. This doesn't mean that being around people with depression will spread the disease, it just puts you at higher risk.

3. Who is more prone to depression?

People who are at higher risk of developing depression include:
Having a history of depression or other mood disorders. Family history or genetic predisposition to depression. When you were a child, you suffered from depression Going through a major life transition, such as a big move. Seek in others a high degree of peace of mind. Currently high stress levels and cognitive vulnerability. In general, there are other risk factors that can spread depression, including chronic health conditions or neurotransmitter imbalances. Women and adolescents also appear to be more susceptible to contagion, emotional arrest, and depression.

4. From whom can depression come?

You are more likely to contract depression or other mood swings if anyone around you or a certain influence in your life lives with depression such as:
Parents A child Your spouse Colleague Roommate Close friend Friends or online acquaintances can affect your mental health. In today's life, with the popularity of social media, many researchers are now looking into how social media can affect our emotions.

5. Depression will experience what?

Is it okay to be depressed? If you are in regular contact with someone who is depressed, you can also get the infection and start experiencing certain symptoms including:
Negative thoughts or feelings Hopelessness Irritability or agitation Anxiety Dissatisfaction or sadness Feeling guilty Feeling lightheaded Having thoughts of suicide

6. What to do when suffering from depression?

If you are experiencing any mental health issues, you can reach out for expert help and advice from your doctor. If you feel like you're having a crisis, you can go straight to a mental health facility for advice.
Researchers have found that the depressive symptoms of a loved one such as a spouse can significantly predict depression in their partner. But discussing your concerns with loved ones, especially your spouse, can be difficult. Because many people with depression often feel ashamed or guilty about their feelings and rarely open up to others. So, you can work with your loved one to manage depressive feelings and symptoms in the following ways:
Attend a depression group meeting or workshop, behavioral therapy, or key-based stress reduction Mindfulness can also be helpful. Often, setting up a team can help you get things done in a safe environment, while also reminding you that you're not alone. You can find a support group through a number of organizations. See a therapist together: Seeing a therapist together, whether you go to a family or couples counselor, can be very helpful to find a coping mechanism that works for both of you. You can also ask to sit in one of your partner's therapy appointments. Support each other: If you work together with your loved one, you can hold each other accountable. Make sure you can multi-task like taking care of yourself, going to work or school, eating well, and exercising to get the help you need. Meditate together: Starting or ending your day with some meditation can help calm your mind and change negative thought patterns. You can take a class, watch a YouTube video, or download an app that helps you meditate for 5 to 30 minutes.

7. What if you are a "spreader" of depression?

Many people with depression and other mental health conditions may feel like they are burdening others when it comes to talking about what's going on. Know that emotions can be contagious, but that doesn't mean you should isolate yourself or avoid talking about things that are bothering you. If you are concerned, you should seek professional help. You may need the help of a psychotherapist to manage depression and negative thinking. Many will allow you to invite friends if you feel the need to resolve any issues.
Emotions associated with depression are not the only types of emotions that can be contagious. Happiness has also been shown to be contagious. Researchers believe that people who surround themselves with happy people are more likely to become happier in the future. They believe that everyone's happiness depends on the happiness of others with whom they are connected.
In short, depression is contagious in a way and so is happiness. With this in mind, it helps to be mindful of how other people's behaviors and feelings are influencing your own behavior and feelings. If you feel hopeless or in need of support, seek medical advice from a psychotherapist for appropriate interventions.
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Reference source: healthline.com