Depression is a serious condition that interferes with a person's capacity to function in the world. Sadness, apathy and lack of energy diminish the person's ability to meet obligations and responsibilities in life. The effects of depression are not limited to a depressed individual; they are far-reaching. Treatment for depression is essential, because the consequences of untreated depression may be fatal.
Trouble at Work
Depression can affect a person's ability to do a job successfully. People tend to be slower and less productive when depressed. Focusing on work and completing assignments may also be impaired by a lack of concentration. Fatigue and other physical symptoms associated with depression, such as headaches and stomach problems, can become severe enough to cause an individual to frequently leave work early or call in sick. Repeated absences from work may lead to a warning, probation or termination of employment.
Strain on Family
Depression in one family member can cause tension within the family. The lack of interest, emotional response and involvement regarding family life can cause family members to feel neglected or abandoned. Depressed individuals may become unable to fulfill their responsibilities due to a loss of energy. This may put added responsibilities on family members to cook, clean, care for a child or walk the dog. Feelings of guilt may emerge among family members, especially parents, who blame themselves for someone else's depression.
Social Alienation
Isolation is a typical refuge for depressed individuals. They may ignore phone calls from friends or decline offers to get together because they just want to be alone. Friends, like family, may feel neglected and become angry. Intimate relationships may suffer for these reasons as well as a decrease in libido. A lack of increase in sexual desire or performance can become a major source of stress between partners. Depressed people are often reluctant to tell friends and significant others about their condition for fear of being rejected. They may also feel as though nobody understands how they are feeling, which acts to further alienate others.
Health Problems and Death
Depression can take a harmful toll on someone, especially if left untreated. Negative thoughts and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness can cause individuals to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs. Increased sleeping may be used as an escape from life or due to a perceived inability to get out of bed. In serious cases, suicidal ideation may result from an unwillingness to live. HealthyPlace reports that 15 percent of people with major depression die by suicide.
