A recent study published in Nature Mental Health by an international team, including researchers from the University of Cambridge and Fudan University, examined various factors, such as genetics, lifestyle, brain structure, and immune/metabolic systems, to understand the mechanisms underlying depression. They analyzed data from nearly 290,000 individuals, finding seven healthy lifestyle factors linked to reduced depression risk, including good sleep (22% risk reduction) and social connection (18% risk reduction). Moderate alcohol consumption (11%), healthy diet (6%), regular physical activity (14%), never smoking (20%), and low-to-moderate sedentary behavior (13%) also contributed to lower depression risk. The study demonstrated that a favorable lifestyle group was 57% less likely to develop depression than an unfavorable lifestyle group. Additionally, the researchers found that a healthy lifestyle can reduce depression risk across various genetic risk levels. The study underscores the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle for preventing depression, irrespective of genetic predisposition, and highlights the connection between lifestyle, brain structure, immune function, and metabolism in depression risk. The researchers suggest early education on healthy lifestyles for mental health, starting in schools.