The Anxiety and Depression study (Kinderman et Al)

Kinderman et Al performed a huge study in the UK with over 32,000 adults. The study was about depression anxiety and the causes behind it.

In this study they found that the most common cause for anxiety or depression was traumatic life events, such as the death of a family member/ loved one. However, to the researchers surprise they also found that the way in which the individuals coped/dealt with their anxiety and depression contributed towards it almost as much as the traumatic event itself. 

They identified 3 major contributors, they were:

• rumination - This means excessive fixation on negative thoughts, feelings and beliefs.
• Self-blame - This is when the individual turns the blame onto them-self.
• Lack of Adaptive coping - This is when the individual is unable to help them-self by asking for help/advice from friends or family members, or eating properly and exercising.

(Self-blame is most common among people who grew up with emotional neglect)

My Opinion - 

This study is very interesting as it shows the importance of how we deal with anxiety and depression as it has been suggested to be just as influential as the event itself. This shows that coping techniques are a huge factor in dealing with depression, and the correct coping technique would be to seek advice from others, not to dwell on negative thoughts, eat well and exercise and stop blaming yourself.