There are many ways that have come up to help address depression. For example, you can exercise regularly, take time off social media, or get more sleep. One of the other ways to combat depression that caught my eye in the article is making strong relationships. It got me thinking about what makes a strong relationship. For me, hugging is big part of developing a strong relationship with someone else. I believe that hugging can be a great way to help people combat depression.
On November 21st of every year its National Hugging Day. In Los Angeles last year there was an entire event to set a record for the largest group hug. Hugs do a lot of good things for us. One, hugging causes the brain to release oxytocin which can help improve the bond between multiple people. It has also been proven to reduce depression and anxiety. As well as oxytocin, dopamine is released to the brain when hugging. Dopamine helps with raising levels of happiness which could help with depression because people who have this condition typically have lower levels of dopamine.
Hugs are something that should be incorporated more into our lives. They reduce stress in the one receiving the hug and the one giving the hug. Having an affectionate relationship including lots of hugs is good for your health. Studies found that women are affected greater than men by the oxytocin chemical. Hugs also keep people from closing themselves off from other people. According to Virginia Satir, “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth” (Cirino, 4). Unfortunately, most people live in solitude or are too busy to think of giving a hug to another person. Another reason that people need more hugs.