Confiding In Others May Lower Risk Of Depression, Study Says

Rates of suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and depression have increased during the pandemic. In the wake of this looming mental health crisis, researchers are looking for preventive measures. One study from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) found social connection may be the first place to start. 

The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, looked at data from 100,000 participants and analyzed external factors (social interaction, media use, sleep patterns, diet, physical activity, and environmental exposures) that may affect depression. 

Social connection was the most significant protective factor against depression in adults—even in those with early childhood trauma and a family history of depression. 

"Far and away the most prominent of these factors was frequency of confiding in others but also visits with family and friends, all of which highlighted the important protective effect of social connection and social cohesion," co-author of the study Jordan Smoller, M.D., ScD, says. 

Activities like watching TV and taking naps throughout the day were more associated with depression. More research is needed to determine whether media exposure itself increases this risk or whether the sedentary activity of watching television is responsible. 

"Depression takes an enormous toll on individuals, families, and society, yet we still know very little about how to prevent it," Smoller says. This research, however, addressed these important questions and helped narrow down potential risk factors.