Health Viewpoints
Depression is a deadly epidemic in the United States, closely linked with the nation’s high rates of suicide—an issue increasingly affecting young people and children.
We live amid one of the most prosperous times in human history, with most people having access to a level of material comfort that was once reserved for royalty. And yet, so very many of us are miserable.
The reasons why are debated. By some explanations, depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain, possibly linked to genetic or epigenetic factors. A common solution: a tweak in brain chemistry via pharmaceuticals. Others acknowledge that lifestyle factors and lived experiences can be the main reasons people are depressed, things like traumatic experiences, family issues, or a looming sense that their civilization is in a moral free fall.
I’m inclined to think that we can learn a lot about the causes of depression by the things that make it better or worse. Movement for example.
Proven Treatments for Depression
Movement
Few things are as reliable in boosting mood and alleviating depression as exercise. It’s a well-studied phenomenon. Researchers have looked at everything from regular exercise to hot yoga and gardening and found they perform extremely well in alleviating depression.
Might this mean that being seduced to sedentary comfort isn’t as satisfying as it feels? In fact, sitting is linked to depression and anxiety. Those a little more aware of how their mood changes with different activities will likely tell you that getting the body engaged is an immediate way to lift the spirit.
Resolving addiction
Or, on the other side, addiction. Addiction of any form is closely linked to depression, each can contribute to the other, from internet addiction to opioid addiction to gambling. This holds true with addictive social media apps and video games, major causes of depression among children.
Social engagement
Of course, it could also be the social isolation people suffer when meaningful social connections are replaced by tech time. We also know that meaningful relationships and helping others are some of the best ways to prevent depression, which likewise require real-world engagement. In other words, face-to-face connections are antidepressants.
Nutrition
Just as the inflammatory effects of added sugars and processed foods are known to contribute to depression, the nutrients that come from a healthier diet are known to relieve it. Robust diets rich in a variety of whole foods can be critical to one’s mood. Some researchers have found even combinations of bacteria in the gut play a significant role in mood.
Nature
Sunshine and time in nature are also vital experiences shown to relieve depression. There are no doubt biochemical reasons, but on another level, the experience of beauty is likely a crucial human need.
All of these elements that cure or cause depression have an important pattern. The causes have increased in time even as the cures have decreased. In other words, you could argue that the very pattern of modern life is making us depressed. If we are trying to solve that with a pill, it’s little wonder many people find no relief, no matter the dose.
Fortunately, if our very lifestyles are making us depressed, we can change our daily choices to find natural relief from depression. We just might have to climb a hillside or saunter through a forest with a friend or two to do it.
Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate. To submit an opinion piece, please follow these guidelines and submit through our form here.