Depression might seem like just a mental disorder, but it can affect both the mind and body. When left untreated, it can impact basic functioning, damage physical health, and lower your quality of life.
So, can you die from depression? According to research, approximately 3.5% of deaths in the United States are linked to depression or anxiety disorders. However, depression isn’t a direct cause of death. That said, it can become life-threatening without the proper treatment or interventions.
Here’s what you need to know about depression, its risks, and how you can minimize those risks.
Depression usually doesn’t go away on its own without some kind of intervention, like medication, therapy, or healthier habits. Without support, your symptoms can worsen and affect your ability to function in your day-to-day life. Common symptoms of depression include:
Over time, untreated depression affects the brain and body in that it weakens your immune system and heart function, while also making you more vulnerable to other health conditions.
In the U.S., depression contributes to more than two-thirds of the 30,000+ suicides reported each year. Among patients with untreated major depressive disorder (MDD), the lifetime risk of suicide is almost 20%. Warning signs of suicide risk include:
If you’re having thoughts of suicide, help is available. The following are free, confidential resources that are here to support you in your time of need:
Studies have found that those with chronic physical illnesses are more likely to have depression than those without another condition.
Depression not only affects your mood, but it also affects your immune system, inflammation, heart rate, and how your body handles stress. In fact, it’s highly prevalent in those with chronic diseases.
In 2019, chronic diseases killed almost 41 million people, which accounts for 75% of deaths worldwide. When you add depression on top of a chronic illness, you’re not only juggling the pain and discomfort from your physical condition, but you’re also faced with depression symptoms. These symptoms can make it difficult to properly take care of your chronic illness, thus contributing to its progression.
To put the relationship between chronic illnesses and depression into perspective, the CDC found the following populations to be living with both conditions:
A specific example of this relationship is diabetes. Around 37 million Americans have diabetes, and they’re 2 to 3 times more likely to develop depression than those without it. Even worse, diabetics with depression face a 46% higher risk of death from all causes than diabetics without depression.
Depression can affect your appetite, but not always in the same direction. Some people lose interest in food entirely and will skip meals without even realizing it. Others may turn to food for comfort, which leads to more cravings and overeating.
A recent study found that 13% of participants with MDD had lifelong eating disorders, and 39% showed clinically significant disordered eating behavior. In comparison, just 3% and 11% of participants without depression showed the same patterns.
If left untreated, appetite changes can cause extreme fluctuations in weight, malnutrition, or obesity. In 2019, there were an estimated 5 million deaths worldwide related to obesity. Malnutrition deaths came to 251,577.
Whether someone is under-eating, over-eating, or fluctuating between the two, their physical health can decline quickly if they’re struggling with depression.
Depression can leave you feeling numb or disconnected from the world, which is why many depressed individuals might consider turning to substances to try and cope. This is called self-medication, and while it may temporarily make you feel better, it can actually worsen your symptoms and increase health risks.
Surveys have found that almost half of those with a mental illness will also experience a substance use disorder and vice versa. Common substances used to self-medicate include marijuana, alcohol, and opioids.
Struggling with both substance use and depression can have serious consequences. Recent findings show that when psychiatric disorders and substance abuse occur together, the chances of dying prematurely go up significantly. Suicide was found to be the leading cause of death in these cases.
Depression is highly treatable despite its risks. The most common treatment options include therapy, medication, and newer interventions like brain stimulation. Here’s a look at each type of treatment:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is considered the gold standard for depression treatment. It focuses on how your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions are connected, while helping you break negative patterns. CBT:
Studies have found that CBT reduces the risk of MDD recurrence by 50% after 12 months and 24% after 24 months.
Antidepressants stabilize the levels of brain chemicals in your brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. Commonly prescribed medications are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs).
In a recent study, researchers found that 50 out of 100 people taking antidepressants saw improvement in their symptoms within 6-8 weeks. This compares to only 30 out of 100 people taking a placebo.
Keep in mind, medication can reduce symptoms and help prevent relapse, but it’s not a guaranteed cure.
Unfortunately, not everyone will respond to standard depression treatments. This is known as treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and it has a 1.9x higher risk of suicide compared to non-TRD patients.
In these cases, other treatments may be considered, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain activity. It’s becoming a favorable option due to its minimal side effects and tolerability.
Clinical response and remission rates support TMS as a viable depression treatment per the following scales:
Professional treatment is essential for treating your depression; however, there are some things you can do on your own to support treatment. These include:
Depression is more than emotional pain. It can affect your overall health in profound ways, and if left untreated, it can be life-threatening.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Cura Behavioral Health to speak with a licensed mental health professional. Whether you need therapy or medication, getting help now could save your life.
Suicide Statistics – Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Understanding the Link Between Chronic Disease and Depression – National Institute of Mental Health
Chronic diseases cause 75 percent of all deaths globally. The toll is likely to rise. – Vox
Does cognitive behavioral therapy reduce the recurrence of depression? – Evidence-Based Practice
Depression: Learn More – How effective are antidepressants? – InformedHealth .org
Determining if TMS therapy suits your mental health journey should involve consultation with a qualified professional. At Cura Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive assessments to help you make informed treatment decisions.
Don’t let a mental health condition hold you back any longer. Schedule a consultation with Cura Behavioral Health today. Our experienced team is ready to answer your questions and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
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Dr. Kevin Simonson, an esteemed Medical Director at Cura Behavioral Health, brings over 15 years of experience in psychiatry. A graduate from a top medical school, he specializes in the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety, employing a patient-centered approach. His dedication to evidence-based care and his commitment to advancing mental health practices have made him a respected figure in the field. Dr. Simonson’s leadership ensures the highest standard of care for the community at Cura Behavioral Health.
