International surveys on mental health have revealed that factors burdening women are increasing across different cultural spheres, leading to a rise in symptoms of depression and anxiety among women. Modern women face a double psychological burden, being expected to achieve academic and professional success while also fulfilling traditional female roles (such as childcare and housework). Furthermore, young women are increasingly susceptible to the influence of the internet. Previously, sexual harassment and sexual violence occurred only in face-to-face interactions. In recent years, online incidents have become more frequent. A particularly unique phenomenon is occurring in Japan. In 2024, the number of suicides among women under 20 (430) surpassed that of men (310) for the first time. Ten years prior, the figures were 165 for women and 373 for men. This increase in only female suicides is unprecedented in Japan and is considered unusual globally.
Patients with depression have reduced levels of neurotransmitters such as oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine, often referred to as “happiness hormones.” Therefore, the goal is to devise mechanisms to stimulate the secretion of these neurotransmitters. For example, oxytocin is a hormone that is secreted in large quantities when one feels love. To promote the secretion of oxytocin, both passive and active stimuli are necessary. This is clearly seen in scenes of mother-child interaction. Furthermore, serotonin forms the foundation of mental stability and health, oxytocin brings happiness through connection with others and love, and dopamine enhances the joy and motivation of achieving goals. Understanding the mechanisms that stimulate the secretion of these hormones and being able to devise ways to do so increases the possibility of achieving happiness. Simply put, this means consuming foods that promote serotonin secretion. And by consuming these foods in a balanced way, along with moderate exercise and sleep, serotonin secretion will be stable.
Recently, insights from neuroscience have been elucidating the relationship between depression and happiness. This finding suggests that a region called the “precuneus,” located between the top and bottom of the head, is related to levels of happiness. The precuneus is characterized by its high activity when one has a low opinion of oneself or worries about the future. On the other hand, people with high levels of happiness had milder precuneus activity. It was found that people with milder activity in this area are less likely to fall into worrying or unhappy thoughts. In a sense, this creates a resilience that makes them less susceptible to depression. Furthermore, research from Kyoto University showed that “people who feel happier have a larger volume of the precuneus in the right hemisphere, and that lower resting activity is associated with higher levels of happiness, making it a focus of attention as a neural basis for happiness.” From the perspective of neuroscience, it seems that the precuneus holds clues to preventing depression.
