Table of contents:
- Depression may be contagious, but it's not like a disease
- Who is more at risk of "catching" depression?
- What can be done when depression is contagious?
Dealing with the closest person who is experiencing depression is not as easy as it sounds. Not infrequently, the companion even feels sad or experiences negative emotions that often afflicts depression sufferers. If so, can depression really spread to other people?
Depression may be contagious, but it's not like a disease
The "contagion" of depression is completely different from the spread of flu or other illnesses caused by bacteria and viruses. You will not suddenly catch depression just because you are with someone you love or are with them all day long.
What you are experiencing is not really depression, but negative emotions, mood , and the symptom of sadness. The same phenomenon applies to positive emotions. For example, when you see someone else laughing, you can laugh too without realizing it.
Not only emotions, behaviors and habits can be contagious. If your friends quit smoking, you will likely do the same. Likewise, if the people closest to you like to consume junk food , You will also like it.
Depression can be transmitted in the same way. However, the intermediary is not bacteria or viruses, but negative behavior. These negative behaviors can be in the form of pessimism, withdrawal from associations, irritability, frequent complaining, and so on.
This process doesn't even take long. In 2014, a number of researchers conducted a study of 100 pairs of students who were roommates. Each student is paired with his roommate for 3-6 months.
After six months, students living with a broody roommate showed more features of depression. The researchers concluded that this happened because they shared the same way of thinking as their roommates.
Who is more at risk of "catching" depression?
Depression can be "contagious". However, your immunity to depression depends on many factors, such as your genetics, past experiences, and the level of stress you are experiencing.
The risk of depression is higher in people who have the following conditions:
- Have a family history of depression
- Have genes that trigger depression
- Are undergoing major life changes, such as a divorce, bankruptcy, or moving house
- Raised by depressed parents
- Are under severe stress that affects your thinking ability
- Very dependent on other people, whether family, friends, or partners
Depression does not only spread from the closest people such as parents, children, spouse, close friends, and roommates. You can even experience the same negative emotions from interactions on social media.
When something bad is posted on social media, people tend to respond by making negative posts or comments. Conversely, once a positive thing appears, people will respond in kind.
In fact, lately there have been people who were inspired to commit suicide just because they had seen people doing it on social media first.
What can be done when depression is contagious?
When you experience symptoms of depression, it is best to seek professional help. Talk to a psychologist or psychiatrist to treat these symptoms. If necessary, take the people closest to you who are suffering from depression.
While undergoing regular counseling with a professional, try to manage the stress you are experiencing. Don't forget to support each other so that you and those closest to you who are suffering from depression can develop in a better direction.
Remember that you are not alone with a depressed relative, even if you also have depression. You can always ask for support from people you can trust. With the support around you, it is not impossible to be there for someone with depression.
