Following the COVID-19 pandemic, depression and anxiety rates have been on the rise. According to the World Health Organization, these two mental health diagnoses have increased by over 25%. This increase in anxiety and depression rates only adds to the current mental health crisis. For young individuals, anxiety and depression rates are concerningly high (Lewis). Several stressors lead to these extreme rates such as a lack of financial stability, inability to seek mental health treatments, and poor social connections (Lewis). More, now than ever, exploring new treatments for depression and anxiety is incredibly important. Recent studies by Rebecca Silton and colleagues have investigated the ways in which emotional regulation is inhibited in individuals with depression and how encouraging positive emotions may be key to staving off depression symptoms. Further, according to Matt Richtel’s “Physical fitness linked to better mental health in young people,” another key in fighting against depression and anxiety may lie in exercise. Silton and Richtel both offer different yet important insights into depression and anxiety treatment and explore the ways in which symptoms of these diagnoses may be relieved.
Silton, et al. (2020) describes the drastic effects depression has on one’s overall well-being – limiting their physical health and ability to feel happiness, as well as difficulty sustaining relationships. Silton also states that those with depression face difficulties with emotional regulation, resulting in suppression of positive emotions, poor coping strategies, and inability to regulate one's emotional state. She argues, however, that positive emotions can reverse these effects. To mitigate these symptoms as well as increase overall positive experiences and emotions, Silton offers savoring as a strategy that can be used in combination with cognitive behavioral therapies. Savoring describes the act of being present in the “‘positive experiences in one’s life’” and to show gratitude for them (Silton, et al. 2020). In doing so, one is able to stay in the positive moment longer and fully appreciate the benefits - something vital for those with depression. Additionally, savoring can be utilized outside of present moments and be used to reflect on and appreciate past points of positivity in one’s life (Silton, et al. 2020). This brings about those same positive feelings and emotions and the incredible mental and physical health benefits that come with them. Through savoring, one is not only able to increase positivity in their life and decrease the negative effects typically associated with depression such as low life satisfaction, but brings about incredible physical health benefits such as “decreased mortality…and improved cardiovascular functioning” (Silton, et al. 2020). Although individuals with depression face many challenges, savoring present and past positive moments may act as a way to extend and bring in positive feelings that mitigate negative feelings brought on by depression.
Interestingly, Silton also states that positive emotions and experiences lead to an increase in physical activity. In “Physical Fitness Linked to Better Mental Health in Young People,” Matt Richtel states that specifically for adolescents, exercise acts as a protective measure against poor mental health diagnoses. When children participate in exercise, they are at a lower risk for developing anxiety and depression. “Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms” by the Mayo clinic gives insight into this result. Through group physical activity, such as in that of the study discussed by Richtel, individuals are able to form social connections and have important interactions, something that often lacks as a result of depression (Silton). Thus, through participating in group exercise activities, individuals with depression may be able to better maintain their relationships and seek social support from these groups when needed. Further, due to exercise, endorphins are released in the brain, leading to feelings of pleasure and happiness (Mayo Clinic Staff). Therefore, physical activity and savoring may form an important link in protecting against depression and anxiety as well as decreasing current adverse symptoms. Through exercise, one may experience important social connections and endorphin release that increases pleasure. This may serve as a time in which savoring can be utilized. Further, because depression can cause adverse effects on physical health as well, exercise may help to bridge this gap for those with depression.
References
Lewis, K. R. (2023, Oct. 24,). Young adults suffer from anxiety, depression twice as often as teens. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/10/24/anxiety-depression-young-adults/#
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, Dec. 23,). Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved May, 01, 2024, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495
Richtel, M. (2024, April 29,). Physical fitness linked to better mental health in young people. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/29/health/adolescents-exercise-mental-health.html?searchResultPosition=3
Silton, R., Kahrilas, I., Skymba, H., Smith, J., Bryant, F., & Heller, W. (2020). Regulating positive emotions: Implications for promoting well-being in individuals with depression. American Psychological Association, 20(1), 93-97.
WHO. (2022, Mar). COVID-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. World Health Organization. Retrieved May 01, 2024, from https://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2022-covid-19-pandemic-triggers-25-increase-in-prevalence-of-anxiety-and-depression-worldwide
No comments:
Post a Comment