Depression

Do You Know the Long-Term Effects of Untreated Depression?

By January 28, 2014No Comments

Depression 3There is a good chance you know someone who has experienced depression. It’s an illness that affects millions of Americans. To fully understand why treating depression is so important, consider the following list of long-term effects of untreated depression.

Long Term Mental Illness
Most bouts of depression are caused by an event that triggers feelings of sadness, such as the loss of a loved one. Feelings tend to return to normal after a couple days or weeks. But for those whose sadness lasts longer than a few weeks that go untreated by therapy or medications, depression can worsen. Chronic mental illness could develop, which is found to be difficult to treat. In some cases, untreated depression can develop into more severe mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety or obsessive compulsive disorder.

Withdrawal From Social Settings
Depression is caused by low levels of serotonin which is a chemical in the brain that is responsible for feelings of happiness and being social. When that chemical is off balance, it is not uncommon for people with depression to stay at home, miss several days off work and avoid social interaction as much as possible. This has a negative effect on both their financial stability as well as their emotional relationships.

Decline of Physical Health and Increased Chance of Death
According to a study by the National Institute of Mental Health, individuals with depression are four times more likely to have a heart attack over individuals without depression. They are also at a higher risk to experience a second heart attack or death. Also, studies have shown that having a mental illness such as depression drastically increases a person’s chance of attempting suicide. According to a study by the White House Conference on Mental Health, over two-thirds of suicides in the United   States are caused by depression.

If you or a loved one experience depression, it is important to seek treatment in order to avoid the long term effects of the disease. You can find the answers and help you need at Family Guidance Center, so call today.