Key Lifestyle Habits Help Tackle Depression, Major Study Finds

Strong social connections, emotional and practical support, and fewer health problems are linked to a greater sense of meaning in life and reduced risk of depression and anxiety, according to a world-leading study tracking over 3,300 young adults in their 20s and early 30s.

Researchers from the Bristol-based Children of the 90s project, as well known as the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), monitored participants to understand what factors contribute to mental wellbeing. The study found that individuals reporting strong social ties, reliable emotional and practical support from others, and better physical health were more likely to experience a meaningful life and less likely to develop mental health issues.

Isaac Halstead, senior research associate at the University of Bristol and lead author of the study, said the findings “shine a light on how the presence or absence of meaning in life is associated with mental health.” He noted that young people in the UK face increasing pressure as traditional life milestones are delayed or become less relevant, impacting their mental health.

The research aimed to identify what fosters a sense of meaning in life or what might lead someone to search for it. According to Halstead, understanding these factors is key to addressing rising mental health challenges among young adults.

Participant Zara Rose, 36, who has been involved in the study alongside her twin sister, shared that her connection with her five children gives her life purpose. “My entire meaning of life is to live for my children,” she told researchers, highlighting how personal relationships can contribute to wellbeing.

The Children of the 90s project is one of the most detailed longitudinal health studies globally, having generated insights across various health areas including eczema, bodyweight, and cancer. Its long-term approach allows researchers to examine how lifestyle and social factors influence health over time.

These findings underscore the importance of nurturing relationships and maintaining physical health as part of a broader strategy to support mental wellbeing and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety in young adults.