Health Effects of Depression

Depression Rehabs is helping more people than before. It has been a long time coming since depression was given the attention it deserves. It is a rather common mental health illness that was never just talked about enough. Feeling blue is not just a passing feeling for some. Also, did you know that there are health effects of depression? It does not just end with you feeling down.

Depression can even wreak havoc on your brain, heart, liver, and even kidneys. You can think of depression as a cluster of conditions that can affect your health in one way or another. Here is more on the health effects of depression.

Sleeping Problems

One of the telltale signs of depression is if your sleeping pattern has been affected. Depression can deprive you of sleep all night (insomnia). It can also be the reason why you feel like sleeping all the time (hypersomnia). Whichever side of the divide you fall on, it is a sleeping issue either way that can cause other issues from loss of energy to extreme tiredness. Lack of a proper night’s sleep can also affect your mood, concentration span, and decision-making skills.

Suicidal Thoughts

According to studies and research, most people who commit suicide have had a run with depression. When it goes untreated, depression can heighten feelings of helplessness that might make someone want to end their life.

Heart Health Issues

Did you know that even a heart attack can sometimes be linked to depression? Studies have shown that people with depression are more at risk of heart attacks and strokes. Primarily, this is because depression changes how we function. You might not feel the need to closely follow your doctor’s instructions because you are depressed. Also, depression can have you misguided on what exactly is ailing you that you might end up making the worst healthcare choices.

Immune System Complications

In line with the above, depression reduces how well your body can fight off illnesses. For instance, some studies show that depression reduces how effective a vaccine-like shingles vaccine can be. Another example is how depression increases the number of stress hormones like cortisol is in your body. It can trigger other health issues.

Here is a video explaining the effects of stress on the immune system:

Loss of Appetite

Have you noticed you are eating much less than you used to? Perhaps you have the opposite reaction and you cannot stop yourself from overeating? Depression can change your feeding habits. A loss in appetite can lead to gradual weight loss while an increase in appetite can even lead to obesity. Ir is the downside of depression regarding your appetite.

As already stated, depression is much more than just feeling down. Depression can have a whole host of health issues like disrupting your sleep and your appetite. It can also weaken your immune system exposing you to several illnesses as this article has illustrated.