Depression affects millions worldwide. However, emerging scientific studies have sparked new interest in the potential of human kindness as a remedy for this pervasive condition. Imagine a world where acts of kindness, both given and received, serve as powerful tools in alleviating the weight of depression and fostering a sense of connection and hope.
Today, we explore the groundbreaking research that shows the impact kindness can have in combating depression.
Read on to learn more about how simple gestures of compassion and empathy can be potent remedies in the battle against depression.
Depression: A Global Epidemic
Depression. It has almost become an epidemic. More and more people are depressed, but it’s difficult to know exactly how many. Because many who are depressed don’t seek treatment and some who seek treatment are not depressed. Regardless, there’s little doubt: the frequency of depression is on the rise.
The good news? Recent research has confirmed that there is something simple we can all do to boost our own mental health and spirits.
Though medication is often necessary to manage depression, recent studies have shown that for some people, simply being kind to others can be as or more effective. Read on to learn more about how practicing kindness can help you or your loved ones feel better.
Depression Doesn’t Discriminate
Adolescents, young adults, senior citizens are all equally vulnerable to depression and over thirty percent of college students report feeling depressed.
It’s sad that a time that should be ripe with opportunity and adventure is often ridden with anxiety for today’s young adults.
Many older people anticipate retirement as a time when they will have diminished financial obligations and more freedom to travel and pursue other interests.
Yet many seniors reach this milestone and begin to experience depression; some for the first time in their lives.
Kindness as a Cure for Depression
In the 18th century, depressed patients were told to serve others to “build their moral strength”. Granted, there was questionable stuff going on in 18th century medicine. But in this case, they may have been onto something.
Because today’s scientists have shown that people who simply “act kind” experience improved mental, emotional and physical health.
In fact, it’s now been proven that practicing kindness may ease depression almost as effectively as prescription drugs. And kindness combined with antidepressants is even more powerful. And kindness does wonders for the recipients, too.
How Kindness can help the Elderly
Depression can be especially debilitating for older folks. And it can exacerbate other illnesses, too.
So, encourage your parent or grandparent to be active and get involved in a cause that may bring them joy and purpose.
They can volunteer at a hospital, nursing home, or veteran’s center.
Or write letters to thank military men and women for their service.
Support a political party or election, raise money for a charity, volunteer to help the local police or firefighters. Or work for any other cause they feel strongly about.
Activate Kindness Behaviors in Adolescents
Take your teenagers to a pet adoption center. Play with the pups. It’s good for the kids, it’s good for you, and it’s good for the animals. Encourage a young adult to coach a kid’s sports team or provide free tutoring at a local high school. Anything that sounds and feels like “giving back” should fit the bill. Volunteering in this way can also be a great way to build confidence in teens.
Not ready to take on a regular commitment?
Look for opportunities to be kind during your day.
Kindness doesn’t always have to involve sacrifice! Just share a smile. It’s easy, costs no money, and it can make all the difference, to someone.
Let’s be kind today. It will help keep the blues at bay, both for us and those around us.
Are you struggling? You may find this post helpful: How to Overcome Depression Alone.
To learn more about the complexities of depression, read 6 Forms of Depression: How to Spot Each One.
Thank you as always for reading.
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Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Joan’s career includes clinical healthcare plus 20+ years as an executive in a nationwide health care system and 15 years as a consultant. The common threads throughout Joan’s personal and professional life are a commitment to non-profit organizations, mental health, compassionate coaching, professional development and servant leadership. Joan has had the privilege of mentoring early and mid-career professionals as well as current and future executives and leaders. She is a member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is also a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me. You can read more about Joan here: Joan Senio.
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