Living High In The Mountains Can Make You Feel Low, Here’s Why

What Is The Link Between Depression And High Altitudes?

Research has shown that quickly ascending to high altitudes can impact cognitive performance and mood, often leading to depression and anxiety. It also negatively affects sleep quality, overall health, and overall happiness–this explains why suicidal ideation is higher at high altitudes. The leading cause has been attributed to hypoxia. Women may be more vulnerable to these effects due to hormonal interactions with serotonin. 

What Is Hypoxia?

Hypoxia can affect multiple cognitive functions, including attention, learning, memory, processing speed, and executive function, with similar effects observed in both acute and chronic hypoxia.

The extent of cognitive impairment is linked to the duration and intensity of the hypoxic conditions. The researchers propose that chronic hypobaric hypoxia may negatively impact the brain, potentially altering its processing of serotonin, a neurotransmitter crucial for regulating mood.

How Strong Is The Link Between The Two?

Studies have also found a strong relationship between increased rates of suicide and gun ownership, but according to a review, the association between suicide and altitude was even stronger than the link between suicide and gun ownership. That explains how strong the link between the two is. 

What Makes The Link So Strong?

Oxygen and Serotonin

At high altitudes, oxygen levels drop, triggering the release of more dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure. However, this also leads to a decrease in serotonin, a neurotransmitter crucial for regulating mood, sleep, and overall well-being. Low serotonin levels can make emotions feel more intense, potentially leading to heightened sadness, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.

Impact on Brain Energy

Low oxygen (hypoxia) disrupts the brain’s energy systems, which are vital for proper cognitive function. This disruption can affect how the brain processes information, leading to mental fatigue, confusion, and depressive symptoms. Studies suggest that people living at higher altitudes experience these changes in brain chemistry, contributing to their vulnerability to depression.

Sleep and Cognitive Issues

The lack of sufficient oxygen can impair sleep quality, making it harder for individuals to fall asleep or stay rested. It also affects cognitive abilities like memory, attention, and focus. This combination of poor sleep and cognitive decline can worsen feelings of anxiety and depression, creating a cycle of mental distress.

Short-Term Effects

For those visiting high altitudes, there can be a temporary mood boost (euphoria) caused by an increase in dopamine levels. However, this mood lift is often short-lived and followed by a drop in serotonin, leading to mood swings, irritability, and depressive feelings once the euphoria fades.

Also Read: Do High Altitudes Cause Dehydration? Expert Answers

Does Living At High Altitudes Affect Us Physiologically Too?

Living at a high altitude can impact physical conditions like:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

At high altitudes, the lower oxygen levels can exacerbate respiratory conditions like COPD, making it harder for individuals to breathe and increasing the risk of complications.

Various cardiovascular diseases

The reduced oxygen availability can place additional strain on the heart and blood vessels. This can aggravate conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and other cardiovascular issues, as the body works harder to maintain oxygen levels in the blood.

Diabetes

People living at higher altitudes may be at greater risk for developing or worsening diabetes, as the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar could be influenced by changes in metabolism caused by hypoxia.

Numerous neurodegenerative diseases

Conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s may be affected by prolonged exposure to low oxygen levels. Hypoxia could contribute to brain inflammation, impair cognitive function, and accelerate the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Still Dream Of Living In The Mountains?

Living at high altitudes sure sounds appealing, but the drop in oxygen levels will mess with both your body and mind. It’s not just the physical strain; your mood, memory, and mental clarity are at risk too. You will experience a euphoric high due to dopamine spike, but it won’t take long for depression, anxiety, and brain fog to set in. It’s a bit like climbing a mountain, you get that initial rush, but the climb gets tough and the descent a lot difficult!