A member asked:

Help please! is depression/self harm "contagious"?

8 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. Anthony Vertino answered

Specializes in Clinical Psychology

No, but....: Depression and/or self harm is not contagious. Does it affect those around you yes. But it doesn't cause others to be equally depressed or self-harming. If they are depressed and self-harming it can intensify their feelings and sense of responsibility for your well-being. I would advise going to a therapist to discuss this further.

Answered 10/24/2017

4.9k views

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Dr. Pamela Pappas answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Not infectious: Depression and self-harm are not contagious like an infectious illness. But if surrounded by depressed people who use self-harm to deal with pain, younger people might learn that this is the way to deal with life -- or might not realize that there are other ways to cope with disappointments, etc. Get some other viewpoints. Also, please consider seeing a psychologist or other therapist about this.

Answered 12/9/2013

4.9k views

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Related Questions

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Is self-harm indicates severe depression and how to behave in this case?

6 doctors weighed in across 2 answers