The Problems That Surface When Depression Goes Untreated

Physical Health

Depression is as much a physical illness as it is an emotional and psychological one. You’re probably familiar with some of the physical symptoms of depression. Fatigue, sleeping issues, appetite changes, and changes in your libido are often present.

The lack of energy inherent with depression also makes it hard to maintain regular exercise and healthy eating habits. This lifestyle turns into a vicious cycle: you’re tired, so you don’t exercise, but the lack of exercise keeps you unenergetic.

Sugar and carbohydrate cravings that come with depression also affect physical health.

But the effects of untreated depression on your physical health go even more profound than this. Depression is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and even dementia. If ignored, the long-term health consequences can be devastating.

Addiction

It’s natural to see how untreated depression can lead to addiction. Abusing substances is a way to self-medicate and try to find relief from the distressing symptoms of depression. Unfortunately, substances do not offer a real solution or long-term healing for depression.

Relationships

Untreated depression also tends to have a very negative impact on your close relationships. For children, it can be especially hard to have a parent or caregiver who doesn’t have the energy to play with them and care for them as adequately as is optimal. Children with chronically depressed parents are more likely to have emotional and relationship problems when they become adults.

Likewise, relationships with one’s partner often experience a great deal of stress due to untreated depression. It’s easy for the non-depressed partner to become overwhelmed as well due to adverse changes in the relationship dynamic and taking on more responsibilities.

Work

Depression’s symptoms often include difficulty concentrating and restlessness. These symptoms affect all areas of life, but they can be especially troublesome at work and school. Left untreated, they can quickly impact one’s work performance and career growth. Of course, they can also lead to job termination as job duties are neglected or mishandled.

Lack of Fulfillment

It’s said all the time, but it’s true: life is short. Time spent suffering from untreated depression is that much less time you can spend savoring life with all its goodness. Life is never perfect, but relationships, nature, community, hobbies, and meaningful work add so much richness and depth; missing out on them is a sorrow indeed.

Suicide

As depression remains untreated, a person’s risk of suicide goes up. The sense of hopelessness and worthlessness that often come with depression can build to the point where suicide seems like the only option.

It’s Never Too Late

If you’ve been struggling with untreated depression, please know that it’s never too late to reach out for help. If you’ve tried therapy before but didn’t find relief, a new approach may be what you need.

A therapist can work with you to build resources within yourself to start countering the emotional patterns contributing to depression. Therapists can also connect you with other healthcare providers to partner with during your healing journey. Medical professionals, exercise coaches, support groups, and family programs can all play an essential part in treating your depression.