Depression and Possible Complications
When Left Untreated

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The idea of having depression can be overwhelming. Symptoms associated with it can impact the way you live your life and also lead to other complications. This can be further complicated the longer depression goes unaddressed. Depression is treatable and the sooner it is addressed the fewer the complications.

How Common is Depression?

Depression is “a common but serious mood disorder…”,” says the National Mental Health Institute. There are several types of depression, including bipolar disorder, dysthymia, major depressive disorder, postpartum depression etc.

It isn’t a rare emotional condition. There are, in fact, about 121 million people around the world who have depression, says the World Health Organization. In the United States, it is estimated that 10 percent of the population are diagnosed with a depressive disorder.

The Symptoms to Spot

Mental Health America identifies the following symptoms of depression:

  • Persistent sad mood
  • Sleeping too much or too little, middle of the night or early morning waking
  • Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
  • Loss of enjoyment and interest in activities once enjoyed
  • Restlessness
  • Irritability
  • Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment (such as chronic pain or digestive disorders)
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
  • Thoughts of suicide or death

Take note that these symptoms are nonspecific. This means that it can be caused by other emotional or medical conditions. If you experience any of these symptoms it may be wise to consult with a licensed therapist.

The Complications of Depression

Symptoms of depression can have further complications for you and the way you live your life to include:

Economic Complications: Once depressive symptoms start to affect your functioning, staying productive and committed to your job/career can be extremely challenging. You will most likely be absent and take sick leave more often. Depression may also prevent you from performing your regular tasks that may further impact you financially.

Personal Complications: Depression can put you at greater risk for low self-esteem and self-confidence. Consequently, you can feel alone and lonely, so it is difficult to keep relationships, communicate and function socially. When you feel depressed you may also find that you want to isolate, further impacting your personal relationships.

Health Complications: Depression can dampen your will to live a healthy lifestyle, so you may gravitate toward drinking, smoking, substance abuse, and other risky or unhealthy behaviors. Considering the link between emotional and physical health, your symptoms may greatly impact your health. It can put you at higher risk for chronic disorders, such as obesity, diabetes, coronary issues, hypertension etc. It can also lower your immune system, placing you at risk for diseases and various kinds of infection.

Treating Depression with Counseling

Depression can affect anyone. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression you don’t have to wait to seek treatment. Counseling has been found to be effective in treating depression and assisting individuals to find remission from their symptoms.

Find the therapist that is right for you, contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Cameron, NC. A skilled counselor will address your unique needs and find an approach that is effective for you. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms as well as possible complications. This is just one of many options to explore with your counselor. Call CCS today to get started. Online counseling and in person sessions are available!

 

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