Understand the devastating vicious cycle between untreated depression and physical health—from chronic pain to heart conditions—and why seeking treatment protects both mind and body.
7%
of adult Americans have experienced at least one major depressive disorder
The condition is common and, left untreated, depression's effects are far-reaching. Depression can send people into a vicious cycle of mental and physical health issues.
The practitioners at Nugent Family Counseling understand the widespread impact that depression can have on people.
The longer you go without treating depression, the more likely it can affect physical as well as mental health.
Here's a look at some of the more common physical complaints that accompany untreated depression.
An Intricate Relationship:
Pain and depression have an intricate relationship. Pain can accompany depression, and dealing with chronic pain can sometimes lead to depression.
For people who have depression first, pain may manifest as:
Unexplained headaches
Body aches
Joint pain
Breast tenderness
Why This Occurs:
Untreated depression and accompanying stress and anxiety can have a notable impact on your body's immune system.
The Theory:
Depression may cause an inflammatory response in your body, which weakens your immune system
People with depression often report sleep problems, which may show up as insomnia or oversleeping. Both are a cause for concern.
If your body isn't getting the restorative sleep it needs, it can't function optimally. You may experience excessive daytime fatigue, which interferes with work, school, driving, and mood.
Those who sleep too much may not get enough physical activity and derive the positive effects it has on mood and physical health.
Depression is often associated with dramatic weight changes.
Excessive Weight Gain
Gaining too much weight
Extreme Weight Loss
No appetite, losing too much
Being extremely over- or underweight can have serious implications on your health
Depression doesn't just metaphorically affect your heart.
Stress and anxiety associated with depression can contribute to higher blood pressure numbers, putting you at risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke
Depression can cause constriction of your blood vessels, which also compromises heart health
Depression can stifle a healthy libido.
• You may have trouble with arousal
• Fail to find pleasure in orgasm
This can affect relationships, fertility, and overall quality of life
People with depression often suffer from problems such as:
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
The stress and anxiety associated with depression can aggravate irritable bowel syndrome, too
Depression can be an all-encompassing disorder, which makes seeking our help a great idea for both your physical and mental health.
Protect both your mental and physical health with professional treatment
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Untreated depression creates a vicious cycle affecting both mental and physical health through seven devastating pathways: chronic pain (serotonin dysregulation, inflammation, heightened sensitivity), diminished immunity (inflammatory response weakening defenses), sleep disruption (insomnia or oversleeping causing fatigue), dramatic weight changes (excessive gain or dangerous loss), heart conditions (high blood pressure, stroke risk, blood vessel constriction), poor sexual health (low libido, arousal problems, reduced fertility), and gastrointestinal distress (nausea, diarrhea, constipation, IBS aggravation). Seeking treatment protects BOTH your mind and body.