Before going to the effects of depression on the body and mind, we need to understand what depression is. Depression is the mental state which triggers different symptoms like low mood and persistent sadness and hopelessness. Depression can be treated to its cure.
The effects of depression could be persistent or this might be a temporary complication. This temporary depression is generally caused by a sudden and difficult situation.
As this hard times bid goodbye, the depression will automatically go with that. But there is persistent depression which is really hard to deal both for the patients and the surroundings.
If the depression lasts more than two weeks, that might be a serious disorder of depression. The signs and symptoms of depression could be characteristics of PSTD or bipolar disorder.
The common effects of depression are stated below –
[mks_icon icon=”fa-sign-out” color=”#ea154e” type=”fa”] Fatigue
[mks_icon icon=”fa-sign-out” color=”#ea154e” type=”fa”] Either hypersomnia or insomnia
[mks_icon icon=”fa-sign-out” color=”#ea154e” type=”fa”] A dominant feeling of persistent hopelessness and sadness
[mks_icon icon=”fa-sign-out” color=”#ea154e” type=”fa”] Excessive low level of interest
[mks_icon icon=”fa-sign-out” color=”#ea154e” type=”fa”] A noticeably low appetite
[mks_icon icon=”fa-sign-out” color=”#ea154e” type=”fa”] A suicide-prone mentality
[mks_icon icon=”fa-sign-out” color=”#ea154e” type=”fa”] The unnecessary feeling of worthlessness and guilt
[mks_icon icon=”fa-sign-out” color=”#ea154e” type=”fa”] Hard to concentrate, make a worthy decision and think
[mks_icon icon=”fa-sign-out” color=”#ea154e” type=”fa”] Several suicide attempts
The effects of depression on the body –
Ache or pain
The people facing the depression might experience chronic joint pain, headache and muscle pain. According to the type of depression, the severity of pain varies.
Change in body weight
Few types of depression are characterized by either excessive appetite or low appetite. Depending on the volume of appetite, the bodyweight of the depressed person varies.
During such depressive state either the people gain a lot of weight or reduce excessive weight. If the person is experiencing a significant weight loss, might face heart disease, fertility complications, and fatigue.
Inflammation
Few types of research indicate that the inflammation is the effect of the depression and a few stated that inflammation is a significant cause of depression.
This triggers a change in the immune system. The inflammation causes arthritis, diabetes (type 2) and irritable bowel syndrome.
Heart complication
Depression for a long time affects the functionality of the heart. A different serious complication might occur related to the heart.
People often get demotivates during the phase of depression. That leads to a significant change in the pattern of lifestyle.
This sudden and negative change initiates the heart complications. It is proved clinically, large numbers of heart failures and artery malfunctioning take place only due to depression.
Sexual health issue
Depression reduces the charm of life. This affects negatively on sexual arousal, orgasm, and pleasure from sexual activities.
Gastrointestinal problem
Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting are common symptoms of depression. These problems become more critical when it turns to Irritable Bowel Syndrome due to depression.
Sleeping disorder
People suffering from depression might face insomnia or hypersomnia. This change in sleeping pattern enhances high blood pressure, cancer, weight change, and diabetes.
The effects of depression on the brain –
The hippocampus is present around the center of the brain. This is responsible for the secretion of the cortisol hormone. During the phase of depression, the cortisol secretion increases and it is shifted to the brain. Then that helps to start the chemical imbalance in our body.
The neutron production throughout life is common to a normal person. Due to the increased secretion of cortisol reduces the rate of production of new neuron cells. That leads to the shrinkage of neurons within the hippocampus. This creates the memory issues.
The prefrontal cortex also shrinks due to the excessive secretion of cortisol. That reduces the emotions, memory, and capacity of decision making. This triggers excessive chemical imbalance within the brain and reduces brain functionality.
Depression impacts our bodies and minds negatively. Always careful about the symptoms and effects of depression. If depression diagnoses early and treated with care and proper medication it can manage well.
If you are seeing any of the symptoms of depression, consult with a physician or licensed mental health counselor. There are several Depression helpline and Depression support groups from where you get support.
Also Read –
Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms, Cause & Treatment Guidelines
5 Unbelievable Things You Never Knew About Natural Cures for Depression