Depression rates all around the world are at an all-time high, and it’s not hard to imagine why. A study by Gallup found that 17.8% of people have depression currently, and 29.0% of people report having had depression in their lifetime, both of these percentages topping even those of the Covid years. In that same study, the ratespercentages went from a slow incline to jumping 2-3% a year during and after COVID-19, going from around 21% to 29% in just four years. These are, not so surprisingly, the years people couldn’t see one another in person; when they could see each other again, so much time had passed since it had been so long since they’d last talked with someone that they were anxious and self-conscious. This resulted in individuals reclusing into themselves, not looking at others, and avoiding conversation or any unnecessary interactions because they didn’t want to risk embarrassing themselves or feeling awkward. Most people can barely talk to people they know and would faint if they had to wave at or greet a stranger.

 This trend of avoiding anyone you don’t know or even those you do know is resulting in a sense of isolation and, by extension, increased depression rates. But what if we could change this? We can, and it’s a lot simpler than most people think. Everyone can start acknowledging one another by simply saying “hello”. Not going up to every person who passes by and talking for five minutes, but just a tiny smile, wave, greeting, and then continuing on with your day. These small gestures are essential in creating more welcoming environments where people can feel safe, talk, interact with others, and not avoid people because they look uninterested. One person being friendly, just one person giving a quick hello could lead to someone else sharing a smile, then another showing a small wave, and another holding the door for someone, and over and over again, impacting all kinds of people throughout the day. 

You can never really know when someone needs that bit of kindness; whether they’ve had a horrible day or a horrible month, a simple acknowledgment of their existence, like holding the door for them, can help shine some light on their dark situations. All it takes to make that impact is some recognition, something like a simple hello to brighten someone’s day.