Depression is a disease and affects the health of the person through various symptoms and relates to the onset and development of related somatic disorders. Since depression affects how you feel and how your body works, it is paramount that you recognize the symptoms and seek professional help to treat it is essential.
According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), they define depression as “a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act.”
World Health Organization (WHO) states that more than 264 million people in the world suffer from depression at some point, and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) mentions that about 7.1% of adults in the United States have had at least one major depressive episode.
Because depression not only affects how you feel, but it can also alter how your body works, recognizing symptoms, and seeking professional help to treat it is paramount.
Behold, here are the ten major impacts depression can have on your body:
Fatigue
Many people with depression complain about feeling tired all the time despite the amount of sleep they receive. This is complicated by the feelings of reluctance and apathy generated by the condition.
Trouble Sleeping
The neurovegetative changes cause the person to isolate himself. Symptoms include changes in sleep patterns which can cause a person to have insomnia or partake in excessive sleeping.
Loss of Sexual Desire
Lack of sexual interest is common, and the use of certain medications to treat depression also has this effect further contributing to the lack of sexual desire.
Appetite Problems
It causes people to eat more or less than normal, causing changes in their weight. It has also been associated with the development of eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia, or eating without control.
Stomach Issues
The brain and digestive system are strongly related, so these symptoms such as stomach aches, cramps or constipation develop when you feel stress, anxiety, and depression.
Headache
Certain studies indicate that people with major depression are three times more likely to have migraines and that people with migraine are five times more likely to get depressed.
Discomfort or Chronic Pain
Depression and pain share neurotransmitters in the brain, and it is estimated that people with depression maybe three times more likely to feel pain regularly that doesn’t improve.
Immune System Weakness
It has been said depression itself weakens the immune system, damaging T cells. This increases the risk of developing infections and diseases in general.
Accelerated Heart Rate
It can cause some agitation that is exacerbated by a lack of sleep and rest. The stress caused by the condition has this same effect.
Cognitive Loss
Inability to concentrate, memory problems, and difficulty in making decisions.
How to Treat Depression and Lead a Healthy Lifestyle
Finally, certain lifestyle habits can help you to maintain balance and stability and thus prevent the onset of depression or improve its symptoms. Let’s review nine ways in which you can transform your life!
- Find ways to include structure and routine in your daily activities.
- Set worthwhile goals and create a plan to achieve them.
- Engage in fulfilling work that connects with an inner passion or sense of purpose.
- Fuel your mind and body with the proper nutrients it needs.
- Incorporate daily mindfulness activities, mindset work, and exercise.
- Practice gratitude daily and appreciate the blessings that surround you.
- Reduce the stress in your life by scheduling in periods of time to relax and just be.
- Spend time connecting to the natural world around you and getting enough exposure to natural outdoor light.
- Participate in activities that give you joy and pleasure-eating a good meal, working in the garden, nurturing a pet, spending time with friends, and sprinkling your life with them.
There is nothing new or radical in what I have suggested. This body, mind and spirit recovery plan is a simple common-sense approach to living a healthy and balanced life. By putting these ideas into practice, you can strengthen your “psychological immune system” and become more resistant to mood disorders such as depression.
However, it must be said that not all depression is treatable through a traditional medical treatment or by adapting a healthy lifestyle. Could the use of these support and improve symptoms? Yes, but it may not be enough especially if you have treatment-resistant depression!
In fact, an article with PubMed Central, stated that medication doesn’t improve symptoms in roughly 10-15% of patients and approximately and only 30-40% see partial improvement in their symptoms.
The Mayo Clinic states, “If you’ve been treated for depression but your symptoms haven’t improved, you may have treatment-resistant depression. Taking an antidepressant or going to psychological counseling (psychotherapy) eases depression symptoms for most people. But with treatment-resistant depression, standard treatments aren’t enough. They may not help much at all, or your symptoms may improve, only to keep coming back.”
Alternative methods to try for treatment-resistant depression is ketamine therapy, acupuncture, light therapy or brain stimulation therapies, to name a few.
Do you struggle with treatment-resistant depression? You may be interested in learning more about how Rejuvenate IV Hydration and Wellness Center can provide you support with ketamine therapy.
In summary, depression wreaks havoc on your body and can cause significant long-term damage if not treated properly. Please seek support if you suspect that you may have depression and don’t settle for a treatment plan that may only be partially effective at treating or improving your depression. Work with your medical professionals to find the best treatment option that will work for your unique needs – even if that means trying several new approaches to find the best solution.
Share in the comments: What did you learn about depression from the article?
Keywords: Healthy Lifestyle, Health and Wellness, Transformation, Depression, Mental Health, Mental Health Awareness, World Health Organization, National Institute of Mental Health, American Psychiatric Association, Stacy McIntyre, Rejuvenate IV Hydration and Wellness Center, Olympia, Washington, Small Business, Local Business, Women in Business, Locally Owned, Love Local, Veteran Owned
