Researchers at Brigham Young University recently published a study suggesting that social relationships are as important to maintain good health and life longevity as other risk factors such as obesity, smoking, and lack of exercise. In other words, those stuck in isolation without social networks, friends or family support maybe endangering their health just as much as smoking nearly a pack of cigarettes per day. One temptation for those suffering with depression is to slip into isolative behaviors that include excess sleep, and screen time (i.e. video games, T.V., Movies etc.). In the words of a famous American educator and critic, Neil Postman, the digital age of information has ushered in the era of "Amusing Ourselves to Death." The death of what one might ask? The more engaged we are in front of a screen or electronic device means that we are under-developing ourselves as well as solid relationships with friends/family. Screens and electronic devices are NOT inherently bad, but they can become bad when we neglect things that matter most – relationships.
Those suffering the effects of depression, anxiety, or other mental challenges incident to traumatic brain injury should especially consider the benefits of social networks, friends, and family interaction. The author of the above mentioned study said, "Our relationships encourage us to eat healthy, get exercise, get more sleep, and see a doctor."