The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time

by Alex Korb

Social Support Counteracts Social Rejection Social support comes in many forms—even text messages, Facebook comments, and emails can help counteract feelings of social rejection. In one study involving the same virtual ball-tossing game described previously, the participants—after feeling socially excluded in the game—received emotionally supportive messages from the experimenters.25 That emotional support reduced discomfort-related insula activity and increased activity in both the lateral and medial prefrontal areas. These results suggest that emotional support enhances prefrontal activity, which may weaken the limbic system’s response. So even if it feels like the whole world is against you, having just one person on your side can make a big difference.

Find a community where you feel like you belong—a church, a team, or an activity group. Keep seeking interactions with others, and be patient with yourself—allow your brain time to rewire.