Is Depression Contagious?

During this age of COVID, we have all become acutely aware of how viruses spread. In my years as a school counselor, I’ve fielded the worry from many parents about whether mental health concerns like depression might be contagious, just like a virus.

The answer to this question is yes and no. Depression is not contagious in the way other illnesses spread, but the emotions and moods of others can be pervasive and impactful to our teens. For instance, when you are with a friend who always complains and brings a negative attitude towards his life, you leave feeling sad and less hopeful. Similarly, when you spend time with friends who laugh, joke, and focus on positivity, your own mood becomes lighter and you feel renewed.

Researchers are still working to understand the specific ways that emotions spread through groups, but studies suggest that the main ways depressive feelings are transferred are when young people compare themselves to others, over-empathize, or misinterpret social cues. 

Researchers also note that young people who experience friends engaging in self-harm behaviors like cutting or who are proximate to a suicide are more likely to experience their own suicidal thoughts. Researchers refer to this as a cluster or contagion, and schools develop strategies to help reduce the risks for friends and classmates when students reveal depressive behaviors or thoughts in schools. 

Still, it is important to note that simply being around someone who experiences depression will not make your child have it, too. 

Who is most susceptible to ‘catching’ depression? 

Research suggests that some people are more prone to experience depression if they have a personal or family history of depression or other mood disorders, are experiencing a major life transition (divorce of parents, big move, etc.), or are experiencing social risk factors like abuse, neglect, racism, homophobia, or transphobia

Has my child ‘caught’ depression? 

You’ll want to be on the lookout for abrupt changes – is your child suddenly less interested in activities they’ve loved before or are there shifts in their sleeping, eating, or personal upkeep? Stay mindful of a range of behaviors that may indicate depression – some young people will turn inward, shutting themselves in their room, or being less talkative than before. For others, depression may take the form of outbursts of anger or an increase in risk taking behaviors like driving fast or experimenting with substances or alcohol. It is important to consider the meaning behind the behaviors we’re seeing from our young people – we might ask ourselves: what does this action mean to them? What is it meant to signal to onlookers? 

What should I do if I have concerns my child has ‘caught’ depression?

If you are noticing changes in your child, speak up! Share your concerns with your child and ask open-ended questions that focus on observable behaviors. For example, “I’ve noticed you slamming the doors recently and that you often have tears on your face. I’m so sorry things seem like they’re feeling really hard. Would you like to take a walk and talk about it?” 

You may want to consult with other folks who know your child well and consider reaching out for support from a medical provider or mental health professional. Just like other medical needs, depression is treatable. Your care and attention to your child and your ability to take their emotions seriously are instrumental in helping them feel better.