Do Your Instagram Posts Signal Depression?

Can your Instagram posts hold clues to your mental health? Possibly, according to researchers who used computer algorithms to determine characteristics associated with depression. 

For the study, published in the journal EPJ Data Science, researchers recruited 166 people, 71 of whom had a history of depression. They used a computer program to analyze nearly 44,000 photos, including each photo’s hue, color saturation and brightness, as well as the number of faces it contained. 

“People in our sample who were depressed tended to post photos that, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, were bluer, darker and grayer on average than healthy people,” said Andrew Reece, a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard University and co-author of the study with Christopher Danforth, a professor at the University of Vermont.

Other findings among those with a history of depression included: 

• More human faces posted.
• Less of face shown, when including a photo with their face.
• Less use of Instagram filters to adjust photo's brightness and coloring.
• Greater use of the Inkwell filter (which would make the photo black and white) when they did use filters.
• More frequent Instagram posts.
• More comments on their Instagram posts.
• Fewer likes. 

The researchers also said that "our model showed considerable improvement over the ability of unassisted general practitioners to correctly diagnose depression," which is a bit of a leap, according to many experts.  

Spotting the Signs of Depression
Perhaps rather than paying too much attention to your Instagram account, you’ll want to pay attention to the warning signs of depression, including:

• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Insomnia
• Sleeping too much
• Changes in appetite or weight 
• Physical pain
• Memory problems
• Social withdrawal
• Unexplained sadness 
• Loss of interest in hobbies/activities

Getting Help for Depression and Addiction
As addiction worsens, so does the co-occurring condition — and vice versa. At Hope Academy, we specialize in treating both diseases simultaneously. To learn more, call us toll-free today: 866-930-4673.

Strategies to Beat Back Depression

If you have been diagnosed with depression, know that you're far from alone. In fact, in 2015, the WHO estimated 322 million people were living with the mental health disorder, making it the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide.

The good news is that depression is highly treatable with the help of experienced behavioral health experts. They can work with you or someone you love to develop a personalized care plan that addresses your specific mental health needs and personal goals. In addition, you can empower yourself to fight depression with some fairly simple strategies! Start with these three to feel your best. 

• Don’t skimp on sleep. Depression can make it harder to fall (and stay) asleep – and lack of sleep can make depression symptoms seem worse. Luckily, practicing proper sleep hygiene can help. Some tips: Adhere to a consistent sleep-wake schedule (even on weekends), shut off all electronics and turn down the thermostat to between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal sleep. 
• Set a personal goal. Each morning, whether when you first get up or as you sit down to breakfast, jot down one attainable goal for the day. This simple act will help build your motivation and confidence – and minimize your feelings of depression.
• Try something new! Sticking to a predictable and manageable schedule is especially helpful during early recovery, but that doesn’t mean you need to get stuck in a rut. Shake things up now and again by doing something new or interesting. For example, take a yoga or drawing class or visit a local museum for some creative inspiration. 

Our Dual-Diagnosis Treatment 

At Hope Academy, we offer evidence-based therapies for clients facing both substance abuse and co-occurring behavioral health issues like depression. Existing mental health issues often surface during addiction recovery. That’s why we offer treatment protocols that are designed for clients with a dual-diagnosis. To learn more, call today: 866-930-4673.

New Staggering Statistics on Depression

It’s Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 2 through 8, and Mental Health America (MH) just released some surprising new statistics about depression in America. The numbers are drawn from one of nine screens available within MHA’s online screening program, which began in 2014, and has been used by 1.7 million people. 

Some notable findings include: 

• 66% of screeners are under 25; 32% are under 18
• 59% are found to have serious depression
• 37% of 11-17 year olds score in the range for severe depression
• 32% of all screeners report they have significant thoughts of suicide or self-harm
• Among screeners who self-identify as youth and LGBT, 41% score for severe depression

Spotting the Signs of Depression
While the symptoms of depression are different in everyone, there are a few warning signs you should keep an eye out for, according to the National Institute of Mental Health: 

• Feeling sad or "empty"
• Feeling hopeless, irritable, anxious, or guilty
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Feeling very tired
• Inability to concentrate or remember details
• Trouble sleep or sleeping too much
• Overeating, or lack of appetite 
• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Don’t let the stigma surrounding mental illness stop you or someone you love from asking for help, seeing a therapist, or even acknowledging that you might be depressed. If left untreated, depression can lead to suicide, and tragically, suicide is the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 24. 

Addiction and Clinical Depression Treatment
Young adults often self-medicate to deal with their mental illness and become addicted to these medications on top of alcohol and other drugs. Mixing substances is a dangerous and potentially lethal way to deal with depression. Hope Academy is one of few CA addiction treatment centers equipped to treat dual-diagnosis patients. To learn more, call: 866-930-4673.