When we talk about contagious diseases, we generally think of things like Covid, chicken pox, and the flu. We usually don’t think about mental illnesses– but social behaviors can spread among people, and can lead to mental health challenges. Let’s explore how depression can be linked to our social groups, and discuss what you can do about it.
What Is Depression?
When we look at how depression spreads, it’s important to understand what depression is. Everybody feels sad sometimes, but depression is far more than just feeling sad. It’s a serious mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. It can significantly impair your ability to function in daily life and can have devastating effects on both mental and physical well-being if left untreated.
Like all mood disorders, depression is often linked to genetics and past experiences; for example, if one of your parents had depression, you are more likely to have depression. Traumatic experiences are also linked to depression, and it doesn’t have to be individual trauma. Communal trauma can contribute– just look at what happened to our collective mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Social Contagion
But back up a bit. If depression and other mood disorders are linked to genetics or major events like trauma, how can it be contagious? The answer is emotional contagion. Humans are inherently social beings, and we naturally mimic the emotions and behaviors of those around you as a way to fit in and establish rapport. This is known as social mimicry or emotional mirroring, and it plays a significant role in how you interact with others on a daily basis.
Your brain is wired to prioritize social connections and to pay more attention to social cues, including emotional expressions, than non-social stimuli. This heightened sensitivity to social information makes you more susceptible to the influence of others’ emotions. With that in mind, it’s easy to see how the condition can spread within social networks like wildfire. If someone in your peer group is struggling with depression, you may find yourself inadvertently absorbing their negative emotions and adopting similar behaviors, leading to a downward spiral of low mood and depressive episodes.
Protecting Yourself From Contagious Depression
So, what can you do to protect yourself and others from the contagious nature of depression? Awareness is key. By understanding how emotions and behaviors spread within social circles, you can be more mindful of the impact your own actions have on others and take steps to cultivate a positive and supportive environment. This includes being empathetic and understanding towards those who are struggling with depression, offering support and encouragement, and seeking help when needed.
Building resilience and coping skills can help mitigate the effects of emotional contagion. By developing healthy coping mechanisms and practicing self-care, you can better manage your own emotions and prevent them from being hijacked by others’ negative energy. This can include engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques, and maintaining a strong support network of friends and family.
You also need to know the signs of depression.
Recognize The Signs of Depression
You may sometimes wonder whether what you’re experiencing is just a passing feeling of sadness or something more serious like depression. It’s important to pay attention to certain signs that distinguish depression from temporary bouts of sadness. While feeling sad is a normal part of life, depression often involves:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
- Changes in your appetite, sleep patterns, and energy levels
- An inability to concentrate
- Difficulty experiencing pleasure or satisfaction in life
- Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
- Low mood that lasts for weeks or months
- Brain fog, confusion, and other cognitive symptoms
If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms for an extended period, it’s essential to reach out for support and consider seeking professional help. Remember, you don’t have to navigate these feelings alone, and there are resources available to help you feel better.
What To Do About Your Friend Group
Relationships with friends and family are important for your mental health… but if social contagion contributed to your depression, what should you do? You don’t have to go out and find new friends. Instead, you need to work on your boundaries, which is something your therapist can really help you with. You need to establish clear boundaries with your friends and family regarding what you need in terms of support and positivity, and communicate openly about your experiences with depression. If depression and low mood run in your friend group, you don’t need to cut them off, but you do need to protect your well-being.
It’s also important to break down barriers surrounding talking about mental health. It shouldn’t be a taboo to talk about depression. Educate your friends about depression to foster empathy and encourage more supportive behaviors within the group. At the same time, be open to the possibility of evolving relationships as you prioritize your mental health. Like we said, you don’t have to cut off your whole friend group– but you may find that some of your bonds are less healthy than others. It’s ok to put more distance between you and other people if you need it. Remember to prioritize your own well-being above all else and surround yourself with individuals who uplift and support you.
Seeking Professional Help
Seeking professional help is essential for those who are struggling with depression or are at risk of developing the disorder. Therapy, medication, and other evidence-based treatments can help you manage your symptoms, improve your quality of life, and prevent the spread of depression within your social circle. It’s important to remember that depression is a treatable condition, and there is hope for recovery with the right support and resources.
If you recognize the signs of depression within yourself, and you think that it may be related to your peer group, a mental health professional can help you identify that and help you create healthy boundaries. Boundaries are hard, but they don’t have to be– and with professional help, you can protect your mental health while still being a good, compassionate friend. Remember that nobody with depression wants to share it with you. It’s just the nature of social contagion and the way we mirror each other’s emotions that leads to contagious depression.
If you want to seek professional help for your depressive symptoms, or want to learn more about how healthy boundaries lead to strong, supportive friendships, reach out to the therapists here at Love Heal Grow. Our therapy team is great at helping you develop your boundary-setting skills! We also know that it can be intimidating to do in-person therapy for someone with depression, so check out our available online appointments. They can help make that first step towards recovery a little less intimidating! Schedule an appointment with us, and we’ll start the journey together.
