In recent years, there have been back and forth studies on the emotional contagion or contagion effect of depression. There does not seem to be a conclusive statement on the contagion effect of mental health conditions, but there are particular studies that have found social interaction plays a role in the prevalence, susceptibility and vulnerability of certain people and their likeliness of depression. Unlike infectious diseases, which have a proven contagion effect and can be directly linked to biological metrics, social contagion of mental health issues have a greater number of variables that throw off the reliability of research studies and metrics surrounding mental health disorders.
In one study, the hypothesis that depression is more likely to co-occur in households was proved by evaluating filled prescriptions for antidepressant medications. Spouses in a household with their partner using antidepressants have a 62.1% higher chance of using antidepressants themselves, with the one year lagged effect being 29.3% and a two-year lagged effect of 15.1%.1 Another study focused on obesity and found that obesity may spread in social networks in a quantifiable and discernable pattern that depends on the nature of social ties. Moreover, social distance appears to be more important than geographic distance within these networks.2
While previous studies concluded that happiness and depression may be highly contagious across social ties, the latest findings (that evaluated the contagion effect in college students) are consistent with no significant overall contagion of mental health and no more than small contagion effects for specific mental health measures, with no evidence for happiness contagion and modest evidence for anxiety and depression contagion.3 Essentially, in the college roommate study, as well as other recent studies,4 the social contagion of depression was disproved.Â
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder that is known for causing persistent sadness, a loss of interest in pleasurable activities, rumination and negative thought cycles, and a range of other emotional and physical symptoms. Symptoms of depression can affect your daily routine, relationships, and overall quality of life. Depression can be caused by a combination of stressors, life events, genetic predispositions, and co-occurring disorders.
Individuals who find themselves struggling with helplessness, hopelessness and isolation often benefit from comprehensive mental health treatment. A Mission For Michael has multiple behavioral health centers that offer whole-person care located in California, Minnesota, and Virginia. Our treatment programs blend the use of traditional and holistic treatment methods to provide optimal care for those struggling with major depression.
We provide treatment for a range of mental health disorders, including dual diagnosis conditions. Your treatment journey will begin with a comprehensive depressive assessment so that we can understand the full scope of your depression symptoms. From there, we can review your depression treatment options and help you get the care you need. Continue reading for more information regarding the causes of depression, and how treatment can help you overcome depression.
We accept most major insurance providers and can check your coverage levels for you.
If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help.Â
Psychiatry and pharmacology play an important role in depression treatment; there are a variety of different antidepressant medications that have been proven as effective treatment (in combination with psychological treatment) for depression. Some types of antidepressants are listed here, but inquire with a licensed medical professional or psychiatrist for detailed information on different treatments. Never take psychiatric medication unless it is prescribed to you, and be sure to consult with medical professionals in case of external risk factors.Â
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are antidepressant medications that treat different neurotransmitters in order to block the reabsorption of serotonin or norepinephrine, keeping more of the chemicals in the synaptic cleft. Both are effective treatments for depression, but depend upon the individual, and should be approached with medical guidance and professional advice.
Perforated St-John’s Wort is also known as an over-the-counter medication to help treat mild to moderate depression, but can cause side effects, particularly in combination with other medications. If you’re currently on medications for any other medical conditions, it’s important to review any over-the-counter medications and their interactions with a medical professional. Click here to learn more about the importance of medication management.Â
Inpatient Treatment for Depression refers to residential, or live-in mental health care programming in a facility. Inpatient treatment allows you or your loved one to engage in interpersonal therapy with licensed therapists and group therapy sessions, while healing in a safe and supportive environment. Inpatient mental health programming for depression usually also provides the highest level of care, with 24/7 clinical care, psychiatry and medication management, and personalized treatment plans for lasting well-being.
Outpatient Treatment (IOP or PHP) programs offer comprehensive mental health care at a more flexible schedule, with both in-person and virtual options available. Unlike residential care, outpatient treatment can offer online therapy and programming, but without 24/7 clinical teams on staff. Outpatient treatment plans still offer a combination of individual and group therapy, through a holistic approach, but in a less structured environment.
If you have been struggling with one or more of the depression symptoms we have mentioned, know that you’re not alone. A Mission For Michael has admission counselors available around the clock to help determine which treatment options can assist you in managing depression. Contact us today to begin your confidential and free mental health assessment.
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Depression can present differently among those experiencing depressive symptoms. There are several types of depressive disorders, each of which have their own features and recommended treatments. While this is not an exhaustive list of mental health depression conditions, it does highlight some of the most common:
Yes, most health insurance companies provide some form of coverage for depression treatment. This often includes both inpatient and outpatient care, depending on your symptoms. Coverage generally applies to therapy, counseling, and medication management services. Your plan may have limitations, exclusions, or required authorizations.
We encourage you to verify your coverage with AMFM Mental Health Treatment to understand the full scope of your benefits. This is especially true if you’re looking for specific treatments, like postpartum depression treatments or persistent depressive disorder treatment options.
What to Expect
Insurance Verification
Our team will verify if your insurance provider is in-network with an AMFM Healthcare Facility.
Contact From Admission Representative:
Expect a call within an hour from an admissions representative to discuss treatment options.
A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides treatment for adults experiencing various conditions. Depression support is a phone call away – call 866-478-4383 to learn about our current treatment options.
See our residences in Southern California’s Orange County & San Diego County.
Take a look at our homes on the east side of the Metro area in Washington County.
View our facilities in Fairfax County, VA within the DC metro area.
AMFM Mental Health Treatment has extensive experience treating a variety of mental health disorders beyond depression through evidence-based therapies, including but not limited to the following:
Recovery can feel isolating; mental health programming can provide cohesive treatment plans to help you or your loved one as you move forward.
A Mission For Michael Mental Health Treatment was founded to bring mental health resources and recovery to those who need it, meeting you with empathy at every step of the way. From admissions to aftercare, our teams are trained to provide the highest level of care, combining compassion with evidence-based personalized treatment plans. Our goal is to encourage and enable long-term behavioral growth and mental well-being in our mental health treatment facilities, to set our clients up for success for the rest of their lives.
You don’t have to embark on this journey alone. Call us to speak confidentially with a member of our care team today.
Thomas Borup Kristensen, Jeffrey Pfeffer, Michael S. Dahl, Morten Holm, Melanie Lucia Feldhues, Does depression co-occur within households? The moderating effects of financial resources and job insecurity on psychological contagion, SSM – Population Health, Volume 19, 2022, 101212, ISSN 2352-8273, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101212.
Christakis NA, Fowler JH. Social contagion theory: examining dynamic social networks and human behavior. Stat Med. 2013 Feb 20;32(4):556-77. doi: 10.1002/sim.5408. Epub 2012 Jun 18. PMID: 22711416; PMCID: PMC3830455.
Eisenberg, D., Golberstein, E., Whitlock, J., & Downs, M. F. (2012). Social contagion of mental health: evidence from college roommates. Health Economics, 22(8), 965-986. https://doi.org/10.1002/hec.2873Â
Cohen, Joshua. (2024, October 29). Is depression contagious?. Smithsonian. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/is-depression-contagious-180985310/#:~:text=The%20researchers%20found%20%E2%80%9Cno%20significant,psychological%20distress%2C%20depression%20and%20anxiety.Â
