Effects of Untreated Depression

Depression and Your Health

Untreated depression can seriously affect a person’s health.

There is mounting evidence that depression takes a serious toll on physical health. The most recent studies exploring health and depression have looked at patients with stroke or coronary artery disease. Results have shown that people with depression who are recovering from strokes or heart attacks have a more difficult time making healthcare choices, following their doctor's instructions, and coping with the challenges that their illness presents. Another study found that patients with depression also have a higher risk of death in the first few months after a heart attack.

Fighting Infection

When the mind is under stress, the body suffers, too. The psychological stress experienced during depression can reduce your body's ability to fight infection. Vaccinations are less effective in people with depression, also leaving them more vulnerable to illness.

In addition, people with depression are less likely to seek treatment for other illnesses, and less likely to follow their doctor's treatment advice.

Sleep Deprivation

One of the most telling symptoms of depression is a change in sleep patterns. Though the most common problem is insomnia (difficulty getting adequate sleep), people sometimes feel an increased need for sleep and excessive energy loss. Lack of sleep can cause some of the same symptoms as depression -- extreme tiredness, loss of energy, irritability, and difficulty concentrating or making decisions.

Signs of Insomnia include:

• Trouble falling asleep.
• Waking up at all hours of the night.
• Waking up before the alarm clock goes off.
• Trouble going back to sleep after waking up during the night.
• Sleep that never feels like "enough."

Depression and Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Alcohol and drug abuse are common among those with depression, especially teens, and young and middle-age males. It is especially important to encourage these people to get help because they are more likely to attempt suicide.

Signs of drug and alcohol abuse include:

• Secretive use of alcohol
• Unwillingness to talk about drugs or alcohol
• Unexplained memory loss
• Inability to maintain personal relationships
• Self-pity
• Tremors

Those who suffer depression and abuse drugs or alcohol may need very specialized treatment.

Depression as a Disability

Depression can render a person disabled in their work life, family life, and social life. It affects almost 19 million people each year, including a large portion of the working population. This means a cost not only to those with depression (in terms of lost wages), but a cost to employers and the economy as well. Estimated total cost to the nation is over $43 billion -- from days spent at home to decreased productivity that results from the inability to make good decisions and the lack of concentration and energy.

More than 80% of people with depression benefit from treatment and can live fulfilling, productive lives. Employers can help by ensuring that benefit plans include mental healthcare professionals and by providing employee assistance programs.