How Untreated Depression Can Harm Your Physical Health

Even prior to the COVID-19 crisis, depression was among the most prevalent types of mental illnesses in our country, with more than 16 million adults (that’s nearly 7% of the adult population) suffering. These days, among the COVID-19 crisis, the CDC reports that one-quarter of Americans are now displaying signs of depression and/or anxiety. 

Whether your depression is new, or you’ve been plagued for years, not treating this disorder can have a severe impact on both your mental and physical health.

At Houston Family, MD in Houston, Texas, Dr. Ranjit S. Grewal, MD understands the far-reaching effects of depression.

He offers the following overview of the importance of treating depression and reclaiming your quality of life.

Understanding the different forms of depression

The first step is understanding that the term depression is a catchall for several different mood disorders, including:

• Major depressive disorder
• Seasonal affective disorder
• Persistent depressive disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Postpartum depression

The exact mechanisms behind depression are still being researched, but what is known: depression of any kind causes certain areas of your brain to become dormant. One study found that those who have major depressive disorder suffer a loss of volume in their brains.

What we do know is that depression causes changes in your brain that lead to:

• Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and/or despair
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Guilt
• Anxiety
• A loss of interest in activities you once loved
• Loss of libido

Depression can greatly affect your physical health, too.

Depression and your physical health

Beyond the emotional and behavioral effects that accompany depression, the disorder can also lead to physical problems, such as:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Sleep issues
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Substance misuse
• Unexplained body aches and pain
• Compromised immune system

Even worse, depression can often lead to increased sensitivity to pain, which can make even a small problem much greater.

Left untreated, these symptoms can worsen and lead to more substantial physical problems. Consider this domino effect: depression causes you to overeat, not sleep well, and become sedentary – behaviors that can lead to very serious heart health issues like high blood pressure or other chronic conditions like diabetes.

Treating depression

Dr. Grewal fully evaluates your symptoms, your medical history, and your family’s medical history. If he determines that you are suffering from depression, he tailors a treatment plan to your unique situation and goals, which may include:

• Lifestyle changes
• Prescription medications
• Talk therapy
• Stress management techniques

Don’t let depression pull you into a downward spiral. Dr. Grewal uses every tool available to help patients overcome depression and resume healthy lives,

If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, know that treatment is available. For a personal consultation, call our office in Cypress, Texas, at 281-477-0525 or use our online booking tool to set up your appointment today. You can also send a message to Dr. Grewal and the team here on our website.