Women, particularly those in college, have the highest prevalence of any mental illness (MI), which negatively impacts social connection, academic performance, and health. Research into alternative treatment methods suggests that lifestyle behaviors are safer and more effective than medication at reducing MI symptoms. This study explores the relationship between lifestyle behaviors and MI in college women through an online survey. The survey included a food frequency questionnaire (Diet History Questionnaire II) and questions about lifestyle behaviors, symptoms of MI, and sociodemographic information. Diet quality was calculated using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), and MI was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21. Independent sample t-tests, ANOVA, and chi-square analyses were conducted. A total of 222 women completed the survey. Overall, diet quality was poor, with a mean HEI of 62.6 ± 10.4. No significant differences or associations were found between MI groups for total HEI score, sleep, or tobacco use. However, alcohol use was significantly associated with MI (p = 0.049). Individuals with fewer concurrent unhealthy lifestyle behaviors had less severe symptoms of depression (p = 0.009) and anxiety (p < 0.001) compared to those with more unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. In this study, alcohol use was the only independent lifestyle behavior associated with symptoms of MI. We also found an association between the number of concurrent unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and depression and anxiety symptoms. Future research should explore the benefits of a healthy lifestyle on MI in a more diverse sample of women.

Background: Lifestyle behaviors are a potential adjunctive treatment for depression in emerging adults (18-25 years), but the combination of behaviors associated with depression remains unclear. Methods: 2,019 emerging adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2011 and 2018 were selected. Latent class analysis (LCA) identified patterns of lifestyle behaviors (diet [Dietary Inflammatory Index], sleep [quantity/quality], physical activity, sedentary behavior, substance use [alcohol/smoking]). Multiple logistic regression examined associations between lifestyle patterns and depression. Results: LCA identified 6 male classes and 5 female classes. Compared to the Healthy reference group, males in the Poor Sleep Sedentary Drinkers (aOR [95% CI]: 4.40 [1.10, 17.55], P = 0.032) and Pro-inflammatory Diet (PID) Smokers Drinkers (aOR [95% CI]: 6.11 [1.94, 19.25], P = 0.002) groups and females in the PID Smokers Drinkers (aOR [95% CI]: 4.96 [2.07, 11.89], P < 0.001), Trouble Sleeping (aOR [95% CI]: 6.65 [2.17, 20.33], P < 0.001), and PID Sedentary (aOR [95% CI]: 4.74 [1.37, 16.35], P = 0.012) groups had increased odds of depression. Conclusions: We found unique sex-specific lifestyle patterns associated with depression (males: diet, sleep [quantity/quality], sedentary behavior, substance use; females: sleep quality). Lifestyle behaviors should be comprehensively targeted to prevent and treat depression in emerging adults.

Emerging adults (18–25 years) experience the highest prevalence of mental illness, including anxiety and depression, affecting more than 11 million individuals in the United States. Traditional treatment approaches, such as psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, may not fully address the complex and interrelated risk factors unique to emerging adults. Targeting lifestyle behaviors, including diet, sleep, physical activity, and substance use, has emerged as a promising adjunctive strategy for the prevention and treatment of mental illness. Growing evidence suggests that these behaviors frequently co-occur and may exert synergistic effects on mental health outcomes. This review synthesizes findings from observational studies and randomized controlled trials examining the relationship between combined lifestyle behaviors and mental illness in emerging adults. A total of 17 studies met inclusion criteria, including 14 observational studies and three intervention trials. Observational findings consistently indicated that lifestyle patterns characterized by a greater number of unhealthy behaviors were associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress. In contrast, the three intervention studies did not demonstrate significant improvements in mental health outcomes following lifestyle interventions. Overall, the findings suggest a synergistic effect of multiple lifestyle behaviors associated with mental illness in emerging adults. However, substantial heterogeneity in how studies defined and categorized “healthy” versus “unhealthy” behaviors limited cross-study comparisons. This review highlights the need for standardized measurement approaches and more rigorous intervention trials to elucidate the potential synergistic effects of combined lifestyle modifications on mental health outcomes in this population.