A human being can survive almost anything as long as she sees the end in sight. But depression is so insidious, and it compounds daily, that it’s impossible to ever see the end.
Elizabeth Wurtzel
Despite increased public awareness of depression, certain myths about it persist.
For example: That it’s something a person can simply “push through”.
In reality, the longer a person lives with depression, the worse things tend to get.
We were reminded of that fact this weekend, when news broke that professional golfer Grayson Murray had died by suicide, following a long battle with depression, anxiety, and substance use issues.
But, the first step is understanding the problem.
Here are five key things to understand about untreated depression:
1. Untreated depression gets worse over time.
Without treatment, depression symptoms often become more severe and more frequent. This can include deepening sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and pervasive feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.
2. Untreated depression causes physical health problems.
Left unaddressed, depression is linked to numerous physical health issues. It can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, lead to chronic pain, and exacerbate conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Depression is also associated with increased inflammation in the body.
3. Untreated depression makes most things harder.
People with chronic depression often struggle with day-to-day functioning. This can impact their ability to work, maintain relationships, and perform daily tasks. The lack of concentration, fatigue, and lack of motivation can severely hinder their productivity and overall quality of life.
4. Untreated depression increases risk of substance abuse.
Individuals with untreated depression may turn to alcohol or drugs as a form of self-medication. This can lead to substance abuse and addiction, which in turn can worsen depressive symptoms and create a vicious cycle of dependency and worsening mental health.
5. Untreated depression increases suicide risk.
Without appropriate treatment, depression significantly increases the risk of suicide. The feelings of hopelessness and helplessness that characterize depression can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors, making it crucial to seek treatment to mitigate this risk.
Learn more about the TMS treatment and psychiatric services & medication management we offer at Sonder.
Interested in discussion depression treatment options with a member of our team?