Scientists reveal how THIS weekly habit can fight depression

Time of India

25-04-2025

Mental health
is one of the most concerning issues all around the world nowadays, with
depression
being the most common and prevalent of them all. While not universally agreed upon, the rise in depression and its global impact have led many to consider it an epidemic. The
World Health Organization (WHO)
has described depression as an epidemic, noting its significant contribution to global disease burden, while estimating that 5% of adults globally experience depression, which translates to about 280 million people.
This includes 4% of men and 6% of women, with 5.7% of adults older than 60 years also experiencing depression. While the global prevalence has remained relatively stable, the burden of depression, including the number of cases and impact on lives, has not been significantly reduced despite evidence of effective interventions.
In the United States of America alone – as per the
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
– an estimated 21 million adults experience at least one major depressive episode annually, with women being more affected than men. The prevalence of depression is higher among certain demographics, including young adults, individuals with lower family income, and those with less than a high school education.
Although these statistics might sound somewhat terrifying, depression is not beyond cure.
In fact, as per a new research – scientists have revealed how a simple weekly practice helps fight depression.
Read on to know more.
What does the study say?
While factors such as outdoor activities, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and robust social connections are widely recognized for enhancing mental well-being, recent
research
has revealed that sexual activity is also gaining attention as a potential contributor. As per the research, there may be an optimal frequency for sexual activity that contributes to improved mental health.
A study conducted by experts at Shantou University Medical College in China examined the sexual habits of 15,794 adults in the United States, aged 20 to 59. The study aimed to explore the relationship between sexual activity and
psychological well-being
, specifically investigating how lower self-reported sexual frequency might correlate with higher chances of depression, as assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).
What are the findings?
The findings suggest that engaging in sexual activity once or twice a week may help reduce the risk of depression, particularly among participants in the younger age group of 20 to 30 years. The researchers believe that the mental health benefits derived from sexual activity may be linked to the release of hormones such as endorphins and dopamine during the experience. The study concluded: "A sexual frequency of 1-2 times per week showed the greatest protective effects on psychological well-being and may serve as a reference standard for mental health evaluation and monitoring during depression treatment."
However, the authors also noted the need for further research to clarify the direction of this relationship and identify any potential modifiers.
Professor Mutong Chen, one of the co-authors of the study, highlighted that sexual activity offers numerous advantages to overall well-being and quality of life, regardless of sexual orientation, thereby significantly influencing mental health.
What is depression?
Depression, also known as
major depressive disorder
or clinical depression, is a common mental disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities. It affects how a person feels, thinks, and behaves, potentially leading to various emotional and physical problems.
Key characteristics:
Persistent sadness:
Depression is characterized by a prolonged period of feeling sad, low, or empty.
Loss of interest:
Individuals with depression often lose interest or pleasure in activities they once enjoyed.
Impact on daily life:
Depression can significantly disrupt daily activities, such as work, school, or social interactions.
Variety of symptoms:
Symptoms can include changes in appetite, sleep patterns, energy levels, concentration, and self-esteem.
Underlying factors:
Depression results from a complex interplay of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
Deepika looks fierce in this video on how to fight 'depression'