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The Effects of Mental Depression

Depression is a mental illness described by feelings of sadness and grief. Many symptoms are traced to this illness, including changes in appetite, sleeping and libido. Aches and pains, crying and mood swings also are associated with this mental disorder. If left untreated, depression may have frightening effects and even lead to suicide.

  1. Physical symptoms

    • The most obvious effects of depression are the physical ways the mental illness can change a person. Someone could gain or lose a dramatic amount of weight, become an insomniac or sleep all day, or cry a lot. Others don't show their depression on the surface, and their grief, sadness or anxiety can express itself through digestive problems or body rashes such as hives.

    Friends and Family

    • One person's depression can have a profound effect on surrounding friends and family. While the numbers to track this is elusive, it is known that depression affects nearly 15 million adults, or 6.7 percent, of the United States population. These effects can manifest themselves in divorce, behavioral problems in schools, affairs and physical and mental abuse.

    Suicide

    • According to the National Institute of Health, about 12 percent of the adult population in the United States die from suicide, the number rising to 16 percent for those over 65 years old. Studies have found that up to 75 percent of adults who have died by suicide were depressed. Lack of detection and treatment of depression continue to be problems among U.S. adults .

    Health Care

    • Depression can be linked to other disorders such as obesity, heart disease and anxiety disorder. Poor health can have a large impact on home medical costs, as well as medical costs for hospitals, insurance companies and the country as a whole. On the other hand, seeking an aggressive course of treatment can lead to a healthier life, which can have an untold chain of positive effects.

    How to Seek Help

    • If you suspect that you may have depression, talk to your doctor. Treatment can range from something as small as an improved exercise and sleep regimen to counseling, antidepressants, or a combination of these things. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts at any time, it is imperative to tell a trusted medical professional, family member of friend. You also may call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK.

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