Depression is a debilitating condition that affects all aspects of a person's life. Its main symptoms are sadness, hopelessness, eating and sleep changes, low self-esteem and reduced activities. Approximately 8 percent of the adult population suffers from this disorder. Depression may be caused by many factors, including changes in the brain, life events, hormones and biological factors. Left untreated, depression can have serious lifelong effects.
Poor Physical Health
Depression can detrimentally affect a person's physical health. Overeating and poor eating are symptoms of depression that can lead to poor nutrition and diminished health. Lack of motivation to take care of oneself can also affect nutrition and healthful eating. According to the National Academy on Aging Society, half of the population with depression is in fair to poor physical health. Depression can also worsen existing chronic conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, because of poor self care. Regular exercise, a factor in good health, is often eliminated or forgotten by the depressed person.
Decreased Social Interaction
Depressed individuals usually lack the motivation to attend family functions, visit friends or reach out to others. They often lose pleasure in these activities and withdraw from the company of friends and family. This isolation can cause problems with loved ones who become frustrated and discouraged with the depressed person. Ultimately, this may lead to total alienation from family and friends, which results in further deepening of the depressive symptoms.
Poor Performance at Work and School
A person suffering from depression loses motivation to produce quality work. They feel demoralized, have low energy and are often absent from work. According to the University Of Michigan Depression Center, they miss deadlines, produce low-quality work and don't return phone calls or emails. Eventually, the depressed person may be fired, which may lead to financial troubles and added stress. Much like adults, children and adolescents with depression have difficulty performing well, particularly at school. Depressed children often suffer from stomachaches, which can lead to school absenteeism. The child may feel unmotivated to do his best with school work, miss assignments and perform poorly on tests. Consequently, some children may have failing grades and may find it difficult to keep up with their peers academically.
Substance Abuse
Some individuals with depression turn to alcohol or drugs to lift their mood. This self-medicating activity can turn serious if the depressed person comes to rely on these substances. According to Mental Health America of Colorado, 32 percent of people with depression also suffer from substance abuse disorders. If left untreated, substance abuse can lead to substance dependence, a more serious condition.
Suicide
The risk of suicide is a serious consequence of untreated depression for all age groups, but the elderly are particularly vulnerable. Depression is present in 60 to 75 percent of suicide cases in individuals over age 75. Adolescents are also at serious risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control, suicide is the third-leading cause of death in children and young adults aged 10 to 24. To avoid serious complications, depression requires treatment by a qualified professional. With proper intervention, more than 80 percent of depressed individuals will recover from this disabling condition.
References
- PBS: Depression: Out of the Shadows
- National Academy on Aging Society: Depression: A Treatable Disease
- University of Michigan Depression Center: Facts About Depression in Children and Adolescents
- University of Michigan Depression Center: Depression in the Workplace
- Mental Health America of Colorado: Co-Occurrence of Depression with Medical, Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Disorders
