Yes, depression does affect your health in more ways than one; even in cases of simple depression which usually goes away after a few days without getting medical treatment or therapy of some kind. It's worse when what you have is the more severe type of depression, or something that is called clinical depression. Severe or not, depression causes a variety of changes in our body that make us prone to illness.
Neurological Changes
Depression alters the production of norepinephrine (a neurotransmitter that regulates nerve impulses) and serotonin (a hormone usually found in the brain that controls emotions, among other things). Low levels of norepinephrine and serotonin:
Increases blood pressure and risks of heart attacks
Causes sleep disturbances
Reduces appetite
Causes fatigue
Elevated Blood Glucose Levels
Also a consequence of depression is decreasing corticosteroid production that can lead to elevated blood glucose levels. Elevated blood glucose levels or hyperglycemia can have many negative effects, among them poor wound healing (wounds take time to heal), neuropathy, kidney problems, and hypertension.
Weakened Immune System
A weakened immune system is very likely to occur with severe depression. Depression reduces the ability of the T-cells to give protection against cancer-causing agents, making one become prone to cancer.
Depression is no laughing matter, as you can see. The thing is it is inevitable because events happen in our lives that we have no control over, and depression is a normal reaction to these negative circumstances. Sometimes, depression can be a side effect of drugs or a result of a disease in the brain. Needless to say, it is something that needs a lot of attention.
Fighting Depression
Yes, learning how to fight depression is very important. Since you cannot avoid it, you may as well learn how to cope with it effectively. If depression is not due to a drug reaction or a mental illness, here are some ways you can effectively fight it without necessarily seeking medical attention:
Give your self time to heal. You've heard the saying "time heals all wounds" over and over. Chances are, you might have said this yourself. But as you are in the healing process, make sure not to mope or to let the feeling of sadness some degree of sadness control your life.
Set realistic goals. Make a list of things you want to do in your life, but keep it simple and reachable.
Get the negative feelings out by talking to somebody or writing a journal of your thoughts and your feelings. Let the steam out, so to speak.
Get a hobby. Do something that will allow you to make better use of your time; something that you will enjoy doing.
Read inspiring stories of individuals who have gone through difficult times and survived. You'll realize that you are not the only one in the world having problems. You may also realize that your problems are nothing compared to what others have undergone.
Do something nice for another person. Do charity works or volunteer your services for a good cause. This will make you feel good about yourself.
Sweat it out. Exercise. It helps to increase the levels of serotonin in your body.
Take vitamin supplements. Vitamin supplementation can combat depression. Vitamins B1 (Thiamine), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic Acid), B6 (Pyridoxine), B9 (Folic Acid), and B12 (Cobalamin), as well as Vitamins C and D, are especially helpful in warding off depression.
Eat well. Make wise food choices that include foods high in vitamins and essential fatty acids.
Don't let depression consume you. Fight it, and fight your way to better health at the same time.
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