The Dangers of Depression

There are definite dangers associated with depression. It can affect nearly all ages, with some groups and demographics being more susceptible than others (women are more likely to develop depression than men, for example, and teens are said to be more prone to depression than adults). Depression can even be fatal, warn medical professionals; and it's not just the disorder that poses risks. Medications can also present their own list of risky side effects.

Here are some of the dangers commonly associated with depression.

Suicide

This may be the "ultimate" danger associated with depression - it's considered by many to be the most extreme manifestation of the disorder. Depressed people may convince themselves that they just aren't worth enough to live, or that their friends and family will be better off without them. Warning signs of suicide include:

* Preoccupation with death - person constantly talks about death or conducts extensive research into the afterlife, methods of suicide, and other related subjects

* Gathering belongings and giving them away

* Cleaning out and "getting things in order" for no apparent reason

* Continual speaking about death, the afterlife, or other similar things

Loss of Job and Income

Depression can be debilitating. The depressed person feels worthless and unmotivated and may call in sick frequently or not show up for work. They may be late or be unable to face difficulties during the workday. Depression can cause a person to be indecisive and unable to concentrate, which could be extremely dangerous in certain types of work (such as construction or factory work that requires a worker to be alert to avoid injury to him/herself or others).

Losing a job may then exacerbate the person's depression, and the loss of income could affect the amount of medical attention and medication he or she is able to afford.

Medications

While medication can save lives, it can also pose serious and/or dangerous side effects. Antidepressants tend to have fewer side effects than SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), but antidepressants may, ironically, induce suicidal thoughts.

Several years ago, a popular antidepressant was called on the carpet for indirectly causing the actual suicides of many people who took it. SSRIs may cause bad headaches, temporary or chronic diarrhea, insomnia, nausea, and/or nervousness and agitation.

Self-Neglect

Depressed individuals often struggle to take care of themselves. Their lack of energy and focus can make everyday tasks seem overwhelming. They might ignore basic needs like eating nutritious meals, keeping their homes clean, or maintaining personal hygiene. Small chores, such as washing dishes or laundry, can feel like insurmountable challenges. As a result, neglecting these areas can lead to deteriorating health. When someone is depressed, their immune system may weaken, making them more vulnerable to colds, infections, or other illnesses. Simply put, self-neglect increases the risk of falling ill.

This neglect goes beyond routine daily care. Many depressed people lack the motivation to see a doctor or follow through with medical treatment. The idea of dealing with a serious illness becomes too overwhelming or frightening. They may avoid appointments, ignore warning signs, or delay seeking help because facing a health problem seems impossible amid their emotional distress. For some, the fear of bad news or the idea of getting worse makes them withdraw further. This can lead to illnesses worsening unnoticed or untreated, which often makes recovery even harder.

Studies show that depression is linked to poor health outcomes because of these reasons. People with depression are less likely to attend health screenings or manage chronic conditions properly. They might stop taking medication or neglect follow-up care. This pattern can cause minor health issues to become serious over time. They might not have the strength or willpower to push through the feeling of despair needed to manage their health properly.

Experts emphasize that depression affects the body as much as the mind. The combination of emotional pain and physical neglect creates a dangerous cycle. Without help, they stay trapped in this cycle, which can cause a decline in overall health. Serious health issues that could be caught early often grow worse because the person simply can’t face the idea of handling more problems on top of their emotional struggles. When depression reaches that level, treating the health problem becomes even more difficult. People retreat further into themselves and avoid help, making their situation more urgent and complex.