Physical Effects of Depression: Can They Kill You?

Despondency can influence your emotional wellness, however it can likewise influence your actual prosperity.

Depression is a chronic mental illness that can affect many aspects of a person's life, from their relationships with others to their physical health.

Because depression is a highly potent disease, it can raise the question of whether it can eventually lead to death.

While you may not die of depression on your own, the symptoms and chronic illness can lead to deteriorating health and death if not treated properly.

Health effects of depression

The National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH) A Reliable Source suggests that depression and depressive symptoms can lead to other conditions, or are brought on by existing conditions.

This may be due to post-traumatic stress disorder or due to physical changes in the brain if you have had a stroke before or wandering around in a condition such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.

Depression is also common in people with chronic, or chronic, conditions such as:

• Heart disease
• cancer
• HIV or AIDS
• multiple sclerosis
• arthritis
• epilepsy

Research conducted in 2004 shows that the presence of pre-existing conditions such as diabetes alongside depression increases the risk of heart disease, as well as the impact on a person's health and longevity.

Other health-related areas of stress that may affect include adequate sleep, diet, and behavioral risk factors such as increased drug use.

Affected sleep cycles

Getting enough sleep is important for mental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Reliable Source, sleep is important for physical health, as sleep deprivation has been linked to high levels of chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

But people living with depression and other mental health conditions often have problems with their sleep cycle, according to a study from 2011Trusted Source.

A 2017 review suggests that insomnia may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts. Research from 2021 has shown direct links to higher levels of stress and anxiety compared to those that do not.

Adequate sleep deprivation in childhood is associated with borderline personality disorder and adolescent psychosis, according to a 2020 study Trusted Source.

In severe cases, excessive sleepiness can lead to many days without complete sleep and short-term consciousness and hallucinations.

A 2009 study A reliable source suggests that people with depression may be affected emotionally during their REM cycle, which may increase their symptoms and adversely affect their sleep.

Dietary changes

Your diet can be linked to your physical and mental health. A common symptom of depression is a change in dietary patterns.

Depression can lead to overeating in others but it is also known to reduce appetite or reduce a person’s desire to make or eat food.

Symptoms of depression can also lead to food choices that may be out of harmony with your body and have a detrimental effect on your overall physical condition.

Because enough food is essential for the body and brain to function properly, this can create an unhealthy cycle. 2017 Review Reliable Source has found a link between certain deficiencies that lead to depression, such as Vitamin D, folic acid, and Vitamin B-12.

Drug use

According to the NIMHTrusted Source, about half of those with substance abuse problems have been diagnosed with a mental illness.

One in four deaths in the United States is linked to alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drug use. In addition, drug abuse is one of the leading causes of suicide.

Items - including alcohol, prescription drugs, and illicit substances - are sometimes used as a way to deal with stress or other mental health conditions.

Experts at NIMH suggest that the link between drug use and mental health conditions has the potential to change the cause and effect because substance abuse can lead to mental health conditions and mental health can lead to substance abuse.

Other reasons for treating depression due to stress and other mental health problems include ongoing stigma surrounding mental health and a lack of access to adequate mental health services.

While there are a growing number of practical options, not everyone has access to the internet, health insurance, or can afford treatment.

What can be done

Although depression may not be completely eliminated, there are ways we can cope with it both individually and on a large scale.

By taking steps to deal with your symptoms, you can reduce the impact stress can have on your body.

Coping with systemic depression

Better access to mental health services: More access to mental health services will serve as a positive change for people currently experiencing depression.

Cultural Skills: People from marginalized communities may seek the help of mental health professionals if they feel recognized and understood by mental health professionals.

Ways to deal with symptoms of depression

For those who suffer from chronic stress, it is no secret that some days are more difficult than others.

There may be times when it is hard to get out of bed or even to communicate with loved ones which can be helpful.

Some suggestions on how to reduce your symptoms before they reach your destination include:

Creating a security system

Finding the steps you need to take to keep yourself safe is not something that can be done right now.

• If you are in a clear position, try writing down action steps and making sure you share them with someone you trust, so they know how to better support you.
• Get used to getting enough sleep, eating regularly and drinking enough water
• We all have times when we are no longer above our schedule