Lifestyles and Mental Health

Are they linked?

Lifestyles and Mental Health.

“Parallel lines of evidence indicate that modernization is generally associated with higher rates of depression. The obesity epidemic and its underlying drivers of poor diet and sedentary lifestyle appear to directly and indirectly contribute to an increased risk. Sunlight and sleep deprivation characteristic of modern-day living are also candidate mediators of rising rates of chronic disease and depression. Greater competition, inequality, and loneliness are the principal factors of the modern, western social environment blamed for rising rates of psychopathology, including depression. Put another way, the modern (man) would likely be much more resilient to the toils of living if he were physically fit, well-rested, free of chronic disease and financial stress, surrounded by close family and friends, and felt pride in his meaningful work.” (Brandon H. Hidaka, 2012)

“Regarding unhealthy lifestyles, baseline heavy drinkers were at higher risk for persistent depression in comparison with abstainers. In addition, people with low physical activity at baseline were at higher risk for persistent depression in comparison with those having high physical activity levels. Baseline health status, presence of chronic diseases, BMI, and smoking were not related to persistent depression.” (Maria Cabello, et al. 2017)

“There is now evolving data exploring the relationship between depression and various individual lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, sleep, alcohol intake, and tobacco smoking. While this data is compelling, there is a paucity of longitudinal research examining how multiple lifestyle factors relate to depressed mood, and how these relations may differ in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) and those without a depressive disorder, as ‘healthy controls’” (Jerome Sarris, et al. 2020)

Do you think that our lifestyles and environments contribute to poorer mental health, and/or inhibit our ability to recover from mental health setbacks?