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According to a study from Harbin Medical University, prolonged exposure to air pollution—specifically, sulphur dioxide—may increase the risk of developing depression.
An increased incidence of depression in persons over 45 is linked to air pollution, according to a study.
In addition to damaging your lungs, inhaling contaminated air daily may also have an impact on your mood. There appears to be a direct correlation between prolonged exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of depression, according to a recent study published in Environmental Science and Ecotechnology.
The study, which was carried out by Harbin Medical University and Cranfield University, followed Chinese adults over 45 for seven years and examined the potential effects of six major air contaminants on mental health.
The study found that sulphur dioxide (SO₂) was the most potent pollutant associated with a higher incidence of depression. Additionally, fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO) increased the risk of mental health problems. Furthermore, it has been shown that exposure to a combination of these contaminants can greatly increase the chance of developing depression.
The researchers clarified that air pollution may affect the central nervous system by inducing inflammation and oxidative stress. The bloodstream, the trigeminal nerve, or even olfactory receptor neurones could be the route via which these impacts transpire. To completely grasp how air pollution affects mental health, they added, more research is necessary.
What Is Depression?
A loss of interest in everyday tasks and a constant sense of sadness are hallmarks of depression, a mood disorder. It is often called clinical depression and can result in symptoms including anxiety, exhaustion, irritability, insomnia, and a lack of enthusiasm for things that were once enjoyed.
Anyone can be affected by depression, including adults and children. Your chances of developing depression are increased if you have certain risk factors. Depression, for instance, is more common in the following conditions:
- illnesses of the nervous system, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
- stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- disorders involving seizures
- Cancer
- chronic pain.
How Is Depression Treated?
Treatment options include psychotherapy, medication, complementary medicine, and brain stimulation therapy.
You can also perform the following at home to help alleviate the symptoms of depression:
- exercising regularly,
- obtaining a healthy amount of sleep, neither too little nor too much,
- consuming a nutritious diet,
- avoiding alcohol because it depresses people, and
- interacting with the people you love.
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