Can tanning help with depression?

There is some evidence to suggest that tanning can help with depression, although it’s not clear why this is. It could be because of the release of endorphins that occurs when you tan, as these are known to have mood-boosting effects. It could also be because of the increase in vitamin D levels that comes from spending time in the sun. Vitamin D is essential for good health, and a deficiency has been linked to depression. It’s certainly not something that’s prescribed by mental health professionals, but then again, things that can help with depression are often highly personal—what works for you is different to what works for someone else.