Moods Are Infectious, Depression Is Not

Good mood is like a bright smile, extremely contagious. Happiness latches on with ease from
one person to another. It is natural to feel happy being in the presence of someone brimming
with joy and laughter. A similar domino effect is rekindled when one comes in contact with a
person displaying anger or negative moods such as sadness and hopelessness. After a while,
one gets conditioned to the same state. Psychologists have a name for what guides such
behaviors - social contagion. According to this theory, behaviors or feelings exhibited by one
person can guide the moods or behaviors of others.
Depression is one of the most debilitating illnesses in the world. The World Health
Organization (WHO) points out that nearly 300 million people across the world are affected
by it. The disorder is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. It increases the risks of
comorbid health complications such as diabetes, hypertension and poor cardiovascular
health.
Depression and low
moods are often
confused as one and
the same. However,
while feeling blue is
a result of temporary
fluctuation in
emotional balance,
depression is a severe
mental illness which
normally arises when
one experiences
prolonged periods of
sadness. A recent
study delved into the
inherent difference
between depression
and low mood and
came up with some startling conclusions. According to the study, while moods are
transmitted, depression is not.
Differentiating between depression and low mood
During the course of the study, the researchers analyzed data from the National Longitudinal
Study of Adolescent to Adult Health for conditions pertaining to mood. It also looked into
seven common signs of depression - anhedonia or loss of interest in day-to-day activities, lack
of appetite, clarity in routine work, prolonged grief, helplessness, worthlessness and
tiredness. The levels of participants mood and depression were calculated using the Centre
for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CES-D). The ratings based on the answers to the
questions ranged from 0 to 54. Higher rating indicated worse mood. The results indicated the
following:

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 The more the number of worse mood friends an American adolescent has, the more
likely he/she would experience bad mood. They would also have lower chances of
getting better.
The results were found to be similar for all depressive symptoms underlined earlier
except appetite.
The researchers observed that depression did not spread in the same manner, suggesting that
clinical depression is more than a mere experience of low mood as commonly believed.
However, low mood is a result of depressive state, which can reduce social interactions during
the process.
The criticality of the study can be assuaged from the fact that it addresses the issue of teenage
or adolescent depression which is rife in recent times. According to the authors, the
subthreshold levels of depressive symptoms is a cause of concern as it lowers the quality of
life considerably. Untreated condition can continue into adulthood and strain personal and
professional relationships.
The researchers suggest that friendships should be forged as long as they help in spreading
happiness and reducing the risk of depression; the aim should be to stop spreading negative
mood. Based on the observations, individuals in the subthreshold who had friends with lower
CES-D scores were more likely to improve their mood to the extent that they could be no
longer classified as depressed.
Acting before it is too late
Identifying the signs of depression during early stages is of critical importance to contain the
symptoms from aggravating. Interventions and best practices in schools and colleges should
aim at improving ones circle of friends. It is also essential to keep a check on ones negative
moods from time to time to identify traces of any impending illness. If a person going through
depression is not treated soon, there is a grave risk of him or her committing suicide.
If you think you or your loved one is exhibiting signs of depression, contact the Arizona
Depression Helpline for assistance in finding the best depression treatment centers in
Arizona. You can call our 24/7 helpline 866-233-3895 to get details about credible depression
rehab centers in Arizona that offer comprehensive recovery programs suited to the patients
needs.

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