Confide in loved ones or avoid watching television: a new study gives the factors that increase the risk of depression and the simple remedies for this disease.
A study relayed by the American Journal of Psychiatry to date identifies modifiable factors that may be linked to the risk of depression. "Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, but to date researchers have focused only on a handful of risks and protective factors, often only in one or two areas. ", noted Dr. Karmel Choi, psychiatrist at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and lead study signatory.
This study is interesting in light of the impact that Covid 19 and periods of confinement may have had on global mental health.
Interviewed at the microphone of France-Inter, Marion Leboyer, director of the university departments of psychiatry at Henri-Mondor hospital in Créteil, thus underlined the fact that in addition to the stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic, people who have contracted the disease are more vulnerable to the risk of depression: "They were afraid of exposing their loved ones, they found themselves in a situation of social isolation and sometimes, when they were hospitalized, they were subjected or exposed to very traumatic situations which they remember. ”
In addition, this disease seems to affect women more widely according to a survey published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine: in the United States in 2020, the number of people subject to depressive episodes would be around 30% of women and 17%. % men.
What factors increase the risk of depression?
Among the factors that increase the risk of depression, two are quite surprising. First, the study highlights that people who tend to sleep during the day are at increased risk for depression. The study points out, however, that more research is needed to understand how this habit can contribute to the onset of depression.
Time spent in front of the television is also an additional risk factor. The periods of confinement were unfortunately conducive to this practice taking up more space in people's lives.
The authors of the study note, however, that more data is needed to determine the causes of this risk. Indeed, prolonged exposure to media that broadcasts anxiety-inducing news can cause depressive episodes; but it could also be that these are caused by an increased sedentary lifestyle.
In any case, to prevent depression the study authors suggest that education is needed on the effects of excessive television consumption.
What are the most effective keys to the risks of depression?
Conversely, simple habits can reduce the risk of these depressive episodes.
Physical activity first, a remedy often put forward, is once again confirmed in its effectiveness as a mood booster.
The other miracle cure seems to be being able to "socialize" with other people, by visiting relatives, or by confiding in them.
"By far the most important factor was how often subjects were able to confide in others, but also visits to friends and family, all of which underline the importance of the protective effects of social bond and cohesion. These factors are more relevant than ever in times of social distancing and separation from friends and family. ", explained Jordan Smoller, signatory of the study.
This study also sheds light on the importance of taking care of your mental health as well as your overall health. According to the WHO, health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, which does not consist only of the absence of disease or infirmity.