Is Depression Contagious? The Impact Of Depression On Relationships

Depression is a mental illness in the DSM-5 characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities accompanied by a low mood. One might experience several symptoms alongside depression, including increased or decreased appetite, feelings of hopelessness, trouble sleeping, and difficulty concentrating. To be diagnosed with major depressive disorder, the individual must experience persistent symptoms of depression for a period of at least two weeks.

Although depression is a common mental health condition impacting over 280 million people worldwide, many people don't know how this condition can impact those living with it and the people in their lives. If you're wondering if depression is contagious, looking at statistics in psychology could be helpful.

Is depression contagious?

While you can't "catch" depression as you might catch a virus like a cold or flu, experts believe that behavior, vocabulary, and mood can influence the people you interact with. For instance, you may pick up your mother's manner of walking in the same way you might feel more cheerful when she's smiling or laughing. You may adopt your partner's way of folding towels while also adopting their tendency to become agitated while waiting in slow lines in the grocery store. 

As social animals, humans often form patterns of behavior mimicking those they interact with. The more time you spend around someone, the more their behaviors may impact you. When you're around someone who displays symptoms of depression, you're more likely to pick up on these symptoms and potentially experience depression yourself.  

How is mood "contagious?" 

While more studies are required to explore the definitive ways that people take on the moods and feelings of others, research points to a few possibilities, including the following. 

Mirror systems

One potential neurological cause of emotional contagion is courtesy of the mirror neuron system within the brain. Through studying the brain, researchers observed neurons firing when social beings noticed actions by others that incited emotion. By mimicking that reaction, the observing party often internalized and processed it as their own emotion and, eventually, transmitted the learned emotion to others.  

Emotional construal

When you observe someone's verbal or behavioral reaction, you might associate cognitive beliefs with these actions. These interpretations could vary by individual. For example, if you love someone, you may associate their behaviors with positive or healthy connotations. However, if you dislike someone, you might want to behave less like them.  

Empathic abilities

A human's ability to empathize or understand the feelings of others can have benefits. However, when you identify strongly with someone experiencing depression, you might experience the same symptoms due to empathy for their condition. 

Social influences

Individuals often compare themselves to others in person or on virtual platforms like social media. You might notice yourself using these comparisons to establish your feelings of self-worth, which might have a negative impact on your mental well-being.

Risk factors for being influenced by others 

While depression itself isn't contagious like a disease, some factors might go into causing a person to be at risk of influence, including the following: 

• A genetic predisposition to depression
• A history of mood disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, or substance use disorders
• Exposure to close relatives or others with depression as a child
• Current levels of excessive stress due to significant life events or changes
• Reassurance-seeking behaviors
• An anxious attachment style 
• Chronic health challenges 
• Past adverse events 

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

What does "mirrored" depression look like? 

If you've never experienced depression before, its symptoms may surprise you. For instance, you may have difficulty concentrating on everyday tasks in addition to feelings of hopelessness. Some other symptoms include, but aren't limited to:

• Feelings of guilt
• Anxiety
• Negative thinking
• Feelings of irritability or discontent
• Mood swings
• Significant changes in sleeping or eating habits

What to do if you suspect you have depression 

If you know that someone around you is experiencing depression, you may want to provide them with support and guidance. However, try to prioritize your mental health and well-being as well. While referring to a person with depression as "contagious" can be stigmatizing, it may be possible for you to mirror their symptoms or experience depression due to an inciting conversation or experience. 

Consider whether you might change or adopt new habits around interacting with them if theirs often impact your mood. Preserving your well-being by taking space and setting boundaries can be essential. How you proceed may also depend on the nature of your relationship. For instance, if the individual is a partner or child, your lives could be closely intertwined, and you may choose to participate more actively in their treatment. 

Below are a few other techniques to reduce the impact of mirrored emotional reactions. 

Practice self-care together 

Activities like exercise, meditation, and hobbies are forms of self-care that might benefit you and your loved ones. You may feel that these activities are more beneficial if you support each other while completing them together. Mutual encouragement of self-care might keep you both on track, and the improved mood could also offer advantages. 

Attend a support group

Meeting with a group for support may help you process your feelings and develop strategies for coping. For some, it can be comforting to hear from people in the same situation that relate to your experiences. You may find a support group in your area through your medical provider, a religious organization, or organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). While there are support groups available in person, there may be online groups you can get involved with, as well. 

Avoid negative influences 

Due to the news and social media, many people are barraged with negative images, edited photos, and perfectionist views. It can be challenging to feel you can't meet the standards presented. If the media you consume causes worsening symptoms, consider taking a break or consuming more positive stories and posts. You can unfollow accounts on social media that make you feel you need to compete or that you aren't "enough." 

Seek professional support 

Whether the person influencing your mental health is someone close to you or someone you spend time with, individual therapy can often effectively manage feelings of depression. You can find a local therapist specializing in treating clients for depression through your medical provider or look online at a psychological directory to find therapists that take your insurance or work with specific conditions.

Counseling options 

Statistics show that nearly one in ten adults in the United States have a depressive disorder. While managing your stress levels, practicing self-care, and attempting to avoid negative influences might help, lifestyle changes cannot "cure" depression. 

If you or someone you love is seeking professional guidance to cope with depression or another mental health issue, a therapist or counselor might be of benefit. The rise in popularity of online therapy has provided a solution to some of the barriers to treatment experienced by many people living with depression, such as difficulty leaving home or an urge to withdraw from social situations.  

Platforms like BetterHelp match individuals with licensed online therapists experienced in treating depression and other mental health challenges. Online therapy may allow you to engage in sessions on your schedule from home or anywhere with an internet connection. Additionally, you can speak with a psychotherapist via phone, online message, and video chat.