x
Recent statistics reveal that we’re in the midst of a mental health crisis that’s hitting young people especially hard. The rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality are skyrocketing in children, adolescents, and young adults. Many experts blame the pandemic for this, but emerging research suggests that something else may also be driving it—an important brain network called the default mode network (DMN).
The DMN is activated when your brain is at rest, which is why it is often referred to as the resting brain. This blog will reveal what you need to know about DMN, how it impacts mental health, why young people are particularly vulnerable, and how you can enhance your resting brain.
Many experts blame the pandemic for the rise in mental health problems in young people, but emerging research suggests that something else may be behind it—an important brain network called the Default Mode Network
The default mode network is one of 8 brain networks that connect functionally to regulate our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. These networks are:
While many of the brain networks are involved in active, goal-oriented tasks, the DMN is typically activated when the brain is at rest or sleeping. It kicks into gear when you’re daydreaming, using your imagination, or evaluating ideas.
The DMN is especially active when you’re engaged in some form of internal thought. For example, the DMN plays a major role in reminiscing about happy memories, envisioning a future event, or empathizing with a friend who is struggling with a problem.
Any time you aren’t actively involved in mental tasks that command your attention, your default network takes over. It coordinates with other brain networks and brain regions to passively process sensory inputs, internal feelings, and the emotions of others.
It has a unique relationship with the central executive network. When the CEN is activated to perform goal-oriented tasks, the DMN decreases in activity. Once that important task is completed, the CEN can power down while the DMN takes over. It’s as if your brain goes on autopilot. The salience network acts like the air traffic controller, switching between these two networks as needed.
Experts view the CEN and DMN as the most dominant of all the brain networks. These brain areas need to work in balance for optimal function and mental well-being. When there’s an imbalance in brain function, it can have major consequences in terms of mental health.
Humans aren’t born with a fully functioning default mode network. It develops throughout childhood. Common kid-friendly activities—such as daydreaming, napping, and running around the playground—promote DMN activity.
In our technologically driven society, however, this development is being disrupted. Kids aren’t getting enough physical activity or sleep, and they rarely let their minds wander. Instead, they’re constantly using smartphones, texting, playing video games, and scrolling on social media. These all require continuous active attention from the CEN.
One study found that 50% of teens feel addicted to their devices, and that was in 2016. The number is likely much higher now. Newer research confirms that screen addiction among kids and adolescents is real. This is bad news for the DMN, as studies have shown that addictions continually suppress activity in this brain network.
How does this impact mental health? Research shows that dysfunction in the DMN has been associated with various brain health and mental health issues, such as:
The memory issues are important to note because a study in Frontiers in Neuroscience found that DMN dysfunction is one of the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
