Laughter is contagious - and so is depression...

Several human emotions are contagious - and depression is no exception...

A recent study looked at students specifically and found that those with close friends or roommates suffering from depression were especially at risk. After six months of exposure to a gloomy mindset, stress and sadness, the non-depressed student often began to experience similar symptoms of depression. It’s known as cognitive vulnerability and it’s most common at times of transition in life.

We can avoid catching depression if we’re aware of our exposure at critical times, such as transitioning into college life, into working life or adjusting to an empty nest scenario. If our primary partner is feeling depressed, our best defense is to address the problem and make a conscious effort to widen our circle of emotional exposure and make necessary changes to the environment.