If depression is the emotional expression of the immobilization response, then the solution is to move out of that state of defense. Porges believes it is not enough to simply remove the threat. Rather, the nervous system has to detect robust signals of safety to bring the social state back online. The best way to do that? Social connection.

For people who don’t prefer social connection, I’ve seen that exercise works well

Edit: just want to highlight that polyvagal theory, the main point behind this article, is unsubstantiated thus far

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyvagal_theory

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[–] Kintarian@lemmy.world 25 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I get more depression around people. I do better in the woods all by myself. My protection is to get away from people. I don't feel lonely or alienated in solitude.

[–] shalafi@lemmy.world 6 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (2 children)

People don't depress me, but I only have so much charge on my social battery. And yeah, seems we're the odd ones regarding the outdoors. When people first meet me, they often comment about my running around the creeks and swamps alone.

"Aren't you worried about (panthers, gators, bears, serial killers) ?!"

"Uh, no, they're rare enough and I carry a gun if it comes to it."

Great. On top of thinking me fruity, now I'm an armed fruit.

[–] Kintarian@lemmy.world 3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Here people ask if I'm worried about bears. No , they're worried about me. You're way more likely to get mugged in the city than mauled in the woods. I have bear spray just in case.

[–] otp@sh.itjust.works 3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

City people might be at greater risk, being more likely to start filming if they see a bear. Or trying to get a selfie with it.

Less likely to do that with a mugger! Lol

[–] Kintarian@lemmy.world 3 points 2 months ago

Yeah, look at the cute bear. Idiots.