Depression is one of the most common mental health illnesses in the world. In the US alone, an estimated 21 million adults have experienced depression in their lives. While it is considered a mental disorder, depression can also significantly affect your physical health and well-being. Learning more about what depression is, the symptoms of depression, and how depression can affect your entire body can help you know whether or not you should seek treatment.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression can have a negative impact on any person’s life. Depression is not a normal part of life and should be treated as soon as possible. There are many symptoms of depression, and it is essential to know what they are so that you can get the treatment you need.
Symptoms of depression include:
Persistent Feelings of Sadness
Persistent Feelings of Guilt
Irritability
Feelings of Hopelessness and Despair
Loss of Interest in Work or Hobbies Once Enjoyed
Feelings of Worthlessness
Thoughts of Suicide
Depression can also cause physical symptoms besides these. For example, you may notice a change in your sleep quality or appetite. People diagnosed with depression will also have trouble falling asleep or that you wake up several times during the night.
What Causes Depression?
Depression is caused by a combination of factors, including genetic and environmental factors. However, stress is one of the most common causes of depression. Stress can be caused by any number of factors, including grief, financial woes, or grief. In addition, depression may be caused by problems with a loved one or other stress factors. Some of the most common causes of depression include:
Genetic Factors
Traumatic Life Events
Poor Nutrition
Substance Abuse
Negative Thinking Patterns
The combination of factors listed above can greatly increase a person’s risk of developing depression, and these factors may vary from person to person. In addition, being diagnosed with a chronic illness, such as diabetes or heart disease may increase your risk of developing depression. This is because chronic illness can have a very negative impact on a person’s life and self-esteem.
The Impact on Physical Health
There is a clear link between depression and physical health, with the most common link being the development of obesity or obesity-related diseases. Depression can cause a person to skip meals, leading to weight loss or unhealthy weight. In addition, many people who have depression also tend to abuse alcohol or drugs, which also can lead to weight gain.
In addition to the above, being diagnosed with depression can also increase the risk of suicide or self-harm. While it is easy to see how depression may increase your risk of these factors, it can often be difficult to understand what causes depression to lead to these factors.
Why Does Depression Cause Physical Health Problems?
If you are already dealing with a chronic disease, symptoms of depression will not only have a negative effect on your emotions and mental health, but it may also have a negative impact on your physical health. Depression has been shown to have a negative effect on your immune system. This is because your immune system uses the same chemicals that are used to produce emotions. Therefore, when you are depressed, your immune system may be weakened, which may make it more difficult to fight infections and diseases.
There is also some evidence that depression may increase a person’s risk of developing certain cancers. This is due to the fact that depression can affect the hormones in your body, which can lead to problems with your metabolism.
Conclusion
Depression is a serious but common mental health condition that can greatly affect your life. When you are diagnosed with depression, you may feel as though your life is over, but you do have options. With the right treatment, you can overcome depression and the symptoms associated with it.
If you're experiencing symptoms of depression or you know someone who might feel the same, Hope Seed Support Center is here to help.
We provide counseling for addiction, depression, grief, and behavioral therapy counseling in Houston, TX. No matter what your need or circumstance is, Hope Seed Support Center ensures the highest level of care possible so you can live a healthier life. Give us a call today to begin your journey to a better you.
