Why Depression Should Be Taken Seriously

Depression can profoundly affect every part of your life.

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States. According to Mental Health America, about 50 million American adults experienced a mental illness in 2022.

In this article, we’re exploring the signs of depression, the different types of clinical depression and why mental health treatment should be prioritized.

Why Depression Should Be Taken Seriously

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, depression rates were already concerning. Since then, those rates have increased dramatically.

At the start of the pandemic, Americans took immediate action to protect their physical health. We must now apply that same urgency to mental health, especially when addressing depression.

Here’s why depression should be taken seriously.

Depression Can Lead to Suicide

The Centers for Disease Control reports that while suicide rates have declined in recent years, suspected suicide attempts, especially among youth, are rising. The most common underlying disorder among individuals who die by suicide is depression.

Both depression and suicidal ideation are treatable. Early recognition of depression symptoms and intervention can save lives. While depression is not always predictive of suicide, it often plays a significant role. 

Types of Clinical Depression

Depression should be taken seriously because there are many forms of it, each with its own causes, symptoms and treatments. Some types of depression may mimic other conditions, increasing the risk of misdiagnosis and delayed care. Commontypes of clinical depression include:

• Major depressive disorder
• Persistent depressive disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Postpartum depression
• Seasonal affective disorder
• Psychotic depression
• Premenstrual dysmorphic disorder
• Situational depression

Learning about these different types can support accurate diagnosis and faster recovery.

Common Symptoms of Depression

Recognizing the signs of depression is key to getting help. Because symptoms can resemble other conditions, depression is sometimes misdiagnosed, leading to prolonged distress.

Common depression symptoms include fatigue, trouble sleeping, appetite changes, and physical pain. Emotional symptoms often include a lack of interest in activities, frequent sadness, mood swings, crying spells, hopelessness, and feeling emotionally numb.

Symptoms can begin after a major life event or without warning. If these symptoms last more than a couple of weeks, it’s time to seek professional help.

Depression Affects Brain Chemistry

Depression is a neurological disorder involving imbalances in key brain chemicals—serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and GABA.

Low levels of these neurotransmitters can affect mood, behavior, sleep and decision-making. Treatment options—including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, can restore chemical balance.

Researchers now believethat untreated depression may contribute to brain inflammation and increase the risk for neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Depression Affects Every Part of Your Body

Because depression is a brain disorder, the entire body is affected by the symptoms. Some results are automatic, like feeling emptiness or hopelessness and tiredness. Some symptoms occur because the symptoms make it difficult for you to function. For example, you don’t always make hygiene a priority when depressed. Avoiding the basics of hygiene can lead to dry skin or rashes if you’re not bathing, dental problems if you’re not brushing your teeth, and so on.

Other examples of how depression affects the body include:

• A weakened immune system, making you more susceptible to viruses and bacteria.
• Memory problems such as forgetfulness.
• Trouble concentrating or staying on task at school, work, or home.
• Digestive problems like nausea, constipation, or diarrhea.
• Eating problems can lead to obesity, malnutrition, and for some, eating disorders.
• Stress increases blood pressure, forcing the heart to work harder.
• Inflammation in the body that can lead to autoimmune disorders.
• Sleep disorders that prevent restorative sleep, a time when the brain and body heal.
• Lowered libido and sexual performance.
• Sensitivity to pain increases due to lower Serotonin levels.
• The use of drugs, alcohol, or other addictive substances to cope further damages the body.

Depression Is Common With Chronic Illness

People with chronic illnesses like diabetes, Lyme disease, heart disease, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and multiple sclerosis have depression. Reports claim at least one-third of people have comorbid disorders.

Physical health and mental health are directly connected. Having positive mental health can improve the physical symptoms of the disease. For example, depression treatment that includes guided imagery and mindfulness-based techniques has been found to work well in treating pain.

You may also notice that your mental health improves when you take care of yourself physically. Exercise, for instance, boosts endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are chemicals that are like natural pain relievers. Also, because neurotransmitters have been found in the gut, eating can affect how you feel mentally.

Depression Is A Side Effect of Some Medications

Some prescription drugs have the side effect of depression. Beta-blockers used to treat blood pressure are noted as having a side effect of depression. Corticosteroids used to treat inflammatory conditions also affect serotonin levels, leading to depressive symptoms in some people.

Other medicines with a side effect of depression include benzodiazepines, Parkinson’s disease drugs, birth control, or other drugs that change hormones. Stimulants, anticonvulsants, cholesterol-lowering, acne control, pain relievers, antibiotics, and thyroid disease are more medicines that can lead to depressive symptoms.

Because it is essential to continue medications that can save your life, it’s just as important to pay attention to symptoms of depression if they occur. 

What To Do Next

If you have symptoms of depression that go beyond a temporary situation, take it seriously and seek help from a licensed mental health professional like a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. They have numerous ways to treat depression that does not interfere with other medicines and improve physical health.

Even if you have just one symptom of depression, seek help. Simple lifestyle changes can likely make a huge difference. Depression is treatable, and you can start yours today.

Sources:

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