Study: Happiness Spreads, Depression Doesn’t

In a study published this week, data from more than 2,000 American high school students found that those who had a strong group of friends who didn’t suffer from depression were half as likely to develop depression, and twice as likely to recover from the condition if they did.

This was actually a stronger effect than you see with antidepressants, and the study authors also found that while “healthy moods” can spread, depressed teens don’t seem to cause their friends to become depressed. Is happiness really contagious?

Someone forward you this email? No Sweat! Sign up here to get your own If you're having trouble viewing this email, click here Follow Us Study: Happiness Spreads, Depression Doesn’t In a study published this week, data from more than 2,000 American high school students found that those who had a strong group of friends who didn’t suffer from depression were half as likely to develop depression, and twice as likely to recover from the condition if they did. This was actually a stronger effect than you see with antidepressants, and the study authors also found that while “healthy moods” can spread, depressed teens don’t seem to cause their friends to become depressed. Is happiness really contagious? Nicholas English Content Manager of About.com Health Why Happiness Really Is Contagious    READ NOW Negative Emotions: Use ‘Em or Lose ‘Em!    READ NOW How Teenage Depression Differs from Adult Depression READ NOW The About.com Guide to Being a Happier Person    READ NOW Trending Now • I’m Over 60. What Disease Screenings Do I Need? • Trouble Conceiving? Here’s the Need to Know • Can I Be Fired for My Cancer Diagnosis? • 5 Exercises to Prevent Knee Pain • Seniors Are Prone to This Anxiety Disorder • 4 Menopause Antidepressants That Can Cause Bones to Break Advertisement About Health  |  Follow Us You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Health newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10036 © 2015 About.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.