# 6 habits that could be worsening your depression symptoms, expert says

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/6-habits-that-could-be-worsening-your-depression-symptoms-expert-says/
- Published: 2026-11-08T20:00:49+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-08T20:23:36+00:00
- Original publisher: New York Post (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://nypost.com/2026/11/08/lifestyle/6-habits-that-could-be-worsening-your-depression-expert/
- Topics: Americas, Health, Mental Health, World

## Key points

- Alcohol and poor sleep may worsen mood.
- Activity and social contact can help counter withdrawal.
- Depression treatment should be assessed and tailored.

## Summary

Clinical psychiatrist Dr Daniel Amen says six everyday habits may aggravate depression symptoms: drinking alcohol, staying in bed, accepting negative thoughts without examining them, withdrawing from others, eating more ultra-processed food and starting treatment without a thorough assessment. The advice matters because depression rates among Americans aged 12 and over rose from 8.2% in 2013–14 to 13.1% in 2021–23, while finding effective treatment can take time.

The article links some advice to research, while noting limits in the evidence. A review of 53 studies found behavioural activation beneficial for depression, and a study of more than 339,000 UK adults associated loneliness with a 77% higher risk of developing depression and social isolation with a 14% higher risk. Research has also linked Mediterranean-style diets with reduced depressive symptoms, though results varied; the article says ultra-processed food research does not establish cause and effect, and treatment should be tailored to each person.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.