If a person spends a lot of time around another going through a bout of depression, catch it much like someone catches a cold or flu and have the same symptions?
2007-03-28 12:12:32 · 8 answers · asked by thundercatt9 7 in Health ➔ Mental Health
WEll...it can certainly dampen your mood that's for sure. But you don't "catch" depression. Yes, there can be circumstantial depression like after a loved one dies, or divorce, or job loss...but it doesn't last and is not generally as severe as clinical chronic depression that is based on a brain chemical imbalance.
I suggest that you really take time to focus on yourself right now. Get outside, go for a walk, really take your time because I know that trying to help someone with depression can be pretty draining. You have to kind of separate yourself...kind of like how a doctor has to go home and separate himself from his work. Otherwise I'm sure the situation might be pretty depressing. But you can't "catch" depression...for the reason that depression isn't spread by bacteria or a virus which is how you "catch" a cold or flu. Take care and be blessed.
2007-03-28 12:28:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can catch it mentally, but general depression isn't caught physically. An example is go to a movie that you are pumped up to see. Bring people that would probably hate the movie. As they bicker and complain, the movie becomes less and less enjoyable till you probably hate the movie too. Your favorite song, your favorite team, you favorite clothes can all be less enjoyable as people laugh at you because of those things.
It can work in reverse too. A pumped up crowd can make average things very enjoyable.
2007-03-28 19:28:03 · answer #2 · answered by gregory_dittman 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depression is not physical contagious but mentally it is. If you are forced to be around someone that is depressed all the time with no time away from the situation You will soon join them in their depression. That's why people who take care of sick people must have time away to rejuvenate.
2007-03-28 19:22:56 · answer #3 · answered by snowflake 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Sadness can permeate a relationship. It's not the same "catching" mechanism, there's no germ involved, but yes, everyone is influenced by the emotions of those around them. Imagine yourself in a room with a laughing child. You can catch joy the same way.
2007-03-28 19:27:02 · answer #4 · answered by Wise Advice 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not like you catch a physical illness or disease, but it can be 'caught' mentally. If you are around someone who is always sad and depressed, it could rub off on you...So yes..you can
2007-03-29 00:29:56 · answer #5 · answered by ♥Jara-Lee♥ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends if you spend a lot of time with the person who is depressed.Take time out to rejuvenate.Generally you do not catch the disease.
2007-03-28 19:29:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, depression is not contagious. However, it is hereditary.
2007-03-28 21:04:25 · answer #7 · answered by kellygirl12498 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IT'S NOT A VIRUS OR A FUNGUS IT'S A CHEMICAL IMBALANCE IN THE BRAIN
2007-03-28 19:35:58 · answer #8 · answered by SOCK MONKEY 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋