Moderate drinking, good for depression...The more you drink, the greater the risk of suicide.

[Anchor]
As the end of the year approaches, there are more cases of drinking at various gatherings such as year-end parties.

However, studies have shown that moderate drinking can lower the risk of depression.

However, it should be noted that excessive drinking can increase the risk of suicide.

More information, reporter Lim Neulsol reports.

[Reporter]
Although there is no year-end atmosphere these days, there are still more gatherings such as year-end parties.

Although the culture recommended for drinking has decreased, it is hard to find gatherings without alcohol.

This is because there is a great perception that it acts as a kind of social lubricant, such as releasing awkward relationships or allowing them to tell stories that were difficult to do.

A domestic research team has found that moderate drinking can reduce stress and lower the risk of depression.

The researchers analyzed the impact of drinking on mental health using the data from the National Health Insurance Service's health examination survey.

The survey involved about 130,000 men and women aged 40 to 79,
I asked how many times I drink a week
and how much I drink.

As a result, it was confirmed that drinking less than one drink a day based on the appropriate amount of alcohol is 10g and soju glasses reduces the risk of depression by 9%.

[Park Sang-woo / Seoul National University School of Medicine Ph.D. : Social drinking can reflect and promote an individual's healthy social interactions. These social bonds can relieve stress and act as protective factors to prevent the risk of depression through emotional support.

[Reporter]
However, drinking more than the right amount can increase the risk of suicide.

Drinking more than five drinks a day increased the risk of depression by about 31%.

Frequently, the more you drink, the more serotonin you can cause, the higher your risk of suicide by about 125%.

[Park Sang-min/Professor of Seoul National University School of Medicine: 20g and 30g per day exceeding 10g of two or three glasses can damage your physical health and have a bad effect on your mind, so I think it would be better to spread the drinking culture that recommends small amounts of alcohol]

[Reporter]
The researchers expected that the findings could be used to create policies related to alcohol consumption and mental health.

He also added that it is necessary not to force others to drink alcohol for the right drinking culture, but to stop drinking to the extent that you can handle yourself.

I'm YTN Science Lim Neul-sol.