Social activity 'eases depression'12/06/2012 - 16:01:47
Socialising can help reduce the symptoms of depression, new
research has revealed. Spending time with a friend, going for a
coffee or visiting a museum are among activities found to help
people with mental health problems. A study, carried out by
researchers from University College Dublin and led by Dr Ann
Sheridan, saw participants given €20 a month to spend on taking
part in a social activity. At the beginning, 20% of the 100
taking part who had already been receiving treatment for
depression said they had no contact with friends. A third of
them never talked to neighbours, 35% lived alone and half never
attended social groups. “By the end of the study, all of the
participants reported feeling better about themselves, having
more confidence to socialise in their community, and
experiencing fewer symptoms of depression,” said Dr Sheridan.
The subjects took part in a social activity for at least two
hours a week, some were paired with a volunteer to form