Depression can sometimes make you sick, as it can lead to other mental and physical health problems. This is especially true if it's left untreated. It's also true that being sick with other health disorders can make you feel depressed. This is why it's important to be checked out by a doctor if you think you're sick or depressed. In this article, you'll find more information about some of the common health problems that can be caused by, or can be linked with depression.
Diabetes is a common illness that's commonly connected with depression. People with diabetes have higher risks of suffering from major depression, compared to those who aren't diabetic. It has been known that only 1/3 of diabetics with major depression are identified and treated. Only a few will seek treatment for depression because some think that it's just secondary to their diabetes.
Some people mistakenly believe that depression and anxiety are signs of weaknesses, not illnesses. This is one of the reasons why many people who are sick and depressed feel hesitant to seek help from a medical professional about their depression. It's important to understand that diabetes and depression are separate illnesses, which means that these two different illnesses need different kinds of treatment.
Many believe that depression won't have any impact on diabetes. The truth is that depression can have a huge effect on the long term outcome of diabetes. It's important to acknowledge that there's a link between managing depression and diabetes. People with depression usually have high blood glucose levels. This is because when you're depressed, you're more likely to have high levels of a 'stress hormone' called cortisol. This can make you sick, as an increased level of cortisol can raise your blood sugar levels, which can lead to other health problems. Research suggests that this can make some people who are over the age of 65 more prone to depression.
The overwhelming symptoms of depression can be severe enough to make you sick, and cause problems in other areas of your life. For some people, the severity of their depression symptoms can make it hard for them to maintain proper self-care. It's important to realize that a lack of proper self-care can make you three times more likely to get sick and develop health complications.
Research shows that depression can trigger other health problems, such as heart disease, osteoporosis and cancer.
Too much stress can sometimes lead to depression. In the same way, depression can also make you feel constantly stressed out. If you put yourself under constant stress, you can get sick because your body reacts to the perceived threat. Stress can bring about a 'fight or flight' response. One of your body's 'fight' responses is the production of 'blood clots' to prepare for a wound. However, these clots can form in your arteries, which can make you sick. This can cause a heart attack or stroke. An increased stress level can also cause an inflammation in your heart.
When your body releases higher levels of the 'stress hormone' cortisol, it can speed up bone loss. Cortisol reduces your bone formation and reduces your body's ability to absorb calcium. This can raise your risk of having fractures. It can also make your chances of suffering from osteoporosis higher.
Studies show that people with depression have high levels of cytokines. Cytokines are chemicals that help control your immune system in fighting diseases. Having high levels of cytokines can reduce your body's ability of fighting malignant cells.
4 Health Problems That Depression Can Cause
"Studies show that depressed folks have high levels of immune system chemicals called cytokines, which may hamper the body's ability to destroy malignant cells."
Depression can be brought about by other mental illnesses. At the same time, it can also cause other mental health problems. Some of the menillnesses that depression can lead to are anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and substance abuse. It has been known that these conditions affect millions of Americans each year. The good news is that these health problems can be effectively treated.
Some of the most common symptoms of an anxiety disorder are increased blood pressure and heart rate, rapid breathing, nausea, agitation and discomfort. Among the most common anxiety disorders include panic disorder, social phobia, agoraphobia, post traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
Generally, panic attacks last for about 15-30 minutes. A person suffering from a panic disorder would experience periodic attacks of anxiety or terror without any reason. The frequency of the attacks can be as short as once a week, or as long as once every few months. Panic attacks can strike unexpectedly and usually happens in public places. Some of the common symptoms of a panic attack include fast heart beat, extreme sweating and shortness of breath, nausea, numbness and having a feeling of losing control.
Schizophrenia is a psychotic illness that can prevent you from identifying what's real and what's imaginary. Some of the most common symptoms include having hallucinations and delusions, experiencing emotions that don't relate to what are actually happening, mood swings, depression, poor self-care and the inability to do your daily tasks well. This can cause problems with your ability to keep up with your everyday activities.
Eating disorders can lead to poor nutrition. The lack of proper nourishment can cause harmful effects to your overall well-being, which can make you sick. Two of the most commonly known eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Some of the symptoms associated with this disorder include rapid weight loss, intense fear of gaining weight, being depressed or anxious, mood swings, drug or alcohol abuse and having intense feelings of guilt.
Depression: Links with Other Mental Illnesses
"Depression can be triggered by other mental illnesses, but it can also lead to certain mental illnesses. These include anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and substance abuse."
Pain can sometimes worsen the symptoms of depression. Similarly, depression can worsen feelings of pain. Many people suffering from depression experience physical symptoms such as backaches or headaches. For some people, these physical discomforts can be the first or even the only sign of depression.
Understand that you may need separate treatments for pain and depression. Yet there are also some treatments that can help you with both, including antidepressants, pain killers, psychotherapy, stress-reduction techniques and pain rehabilitation programs.
Pain and depression: Is there a link?
"Pain and depression are closely related. Depression can cause pain — and pain can cause depression."
It's true that depression can sometimes make you sick, as it can lead to other health problems or illnesses. However, understand that what's most important is for you to focus on finding ways you can use to keep yourself both physically and mentally healthy.
Original article: Can Depression Make You Sick?.