The Association of Living with Someone with Mental Health Challenges and Depression: An Examination By Gender

Background and Significance Depression, although an already recognized mental health challenge, has continued to affect more and more people every day. These challenges are different for all genders and can affect them differently whether they are the ones with the depressive symptoms or living with someone who has depressive symptoms. While several factors play into the development of depression/suicidal thoughts for many, these mental health challenges can potentially play a role in the development of those who live in the same household. The proposed study examines the association between currently living with someone with a mental health challenge and one’s depression, and whether these associations vary across gender.

Methods Data was extracted from the 2021 National Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) with a subsample of individuals who were asked about living with someone who is depressed, mentally ill, or suicidal (n= 57,742). Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between living with someone who is depressed, mentally ill, or suicidal and one’s own depression. In addition, race/ethnicity, income, educational attainment, health insurance status, smoking, alcohol use, and age were included in the model.

Results: Overall, 17.57% of participants reported living with someone who is depressed, mentally ill, or suicidal, while 19.7% reported depression. Overall, living with someone with mental health challenges was associated with higher odds of depression (OR = 1.61, 95% CI, 1,33, 1,89). When stratified by gender, living with someone with mental health challenges increased the odds of depression among both males (OR = 1.72, 95% CI, 1,38, 1,92) and females (OR = 1.54, 95% CI, 1,28, 1.76).

Conclusion: Our findings reveal that people who live with someone who is depressed, mentally ill, or suicidal are associated with depression across both males and females, after controlling for several demographic and psychiatric covariates. The burden of living with someone with mental health challenges may be a burden for an individual and may contribute to one’s mental health. Therefore, it is essential for mental health professionals to consider these factors, when assessing patient’s depressive symptoms, and provide adequate follow-up treatment and counseling. As substance use problems continue to be paramount in Central Appalachia, parents/caregivers must be informed of its adverse consequences. Clinicians, social workers, and other health care professionals should consider parental cannabis use in their assessments.