Researchers Highlight Pandemic Resilience Despite Existing Depression

(Newswire.net — September 19, 2022) Orlando, FL — Depression rates have been thought to increase since the pandemic broke out, and scientists continue to investigate the various aspects of this mental health issue. 

However, in a study, it appeared that this may not be the case for certain groups of people.

This study has shown there was no increase in depression and anxiety during the pandemic among older adults. The subjects had the pre-existing major depressive disorder and lived in Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh, and St Louis.

The findings of this research were published in the peer-reviewed journal called The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 

The investigators were from five institutions, including UCLA. They have particularly found that the older adults exhibited resilience to the stress of physical distancing and isolation. The subjects were also enrolled in ongoing studies of treatment-resistant depression.

“We thought they would be more vulnerable to the stress of COVID because they are, by CDC definition, the most vulnerable population,” said Helen Lavretsky, MD.

Lavretsky is a professor-in-residence of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences at the Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA. 

“But what we learned is that older adult with depression can be resilient. They told us that coping with chronic depression taught them to be resilient.”

It has further been found the subjects were more concerned about the risk of contracting the virus than the risks of isolation. While all of them maintained physical distance, a majority did not feel socially isolated.

They even used virtual technology to maintain connections with friends and family. While they were coping, several participants also revealed their quality of life was lower.

The study was funded by the University of Pittsburgh Department of Psychiatry.

Experts are increasingly studying the various aspects of mental health. There have also been studies showing that intake of certain nutrients is vital in getting protection against depression. 

Nutrients like B vitamins could be particularly beneficial. These nutrients have long been studied due to their relevance in various body processes. Inadequate levels of B vitamins are even associated with certain undesirable health outcomes. 

Formulas like Divine Bounty B Vitamin Complex could be an excellent choice for individuals who want to benefit from the healing goodness of these nutrients.

It contains Choline, Pantothenic acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamin, and vitamin B6.

It is known for its high potency and purity and is made carefully in an FDA-inspected facility in the U.S. (www.amazon.com/dp/B07414752B).