Majority of people who suffer from depression are avoiding clinical treatment. This is primarily due to a stigma of mental illness and a mistaken belief of being considered mad that comes along with it. According to a data by the World Health Organisation, there are about 350 million people in the world who suffer from depression. Out of all, fewer than half of the number receives any treatment for the same. There are many countries across the world where this number of fewer than 10%. Untreated depression can turn your life upside down. It increases the risk of unhealthy behaviour and affects your work and personal relationships.
Untreated Depression Affects Physical Health
Clinical depression, if left untreated, can take a serious toll on your health and hampers other activities. If you are recovering from a physical ailment, depression can make it difficult for you to recover fully. It’s because depressed people cannot cope with the challenges posed by the illness and cannot follow doctor’s instructions in a proper way. If any of your loved ones is suffering from depression, then get in touch with a psychotherapist today. In case you are looking for a psychotherapist in Kolkata, connect with us at Moner Alo.
Social Withdrawal
Low Serotonin levels in your brain results in depression. Serotonin is an essential brain chemical that keeps you happy and social. However, when there is an imbalance in Serotonin levels, people generally cut themselves off from others. They face problems in social interactions and might take a day off from work or avoid meeting others and lock themselves up. This affects social, work and personal relationships.
Untreated Depression Increases Chances of Death
A study by the National Institute of Mental Health has concluded that people with untreated depression are more likely to suffer from heart attacks than people without depression. Also, untreated depression increases their chances of a second heart attack, eventually causing death. Moreover, depression increases a person’s chances of committing suicide. According to the World Health Organisation, depression leads to suicide and every year more than 800,000 people commit suicide. This is also the leadings cause of death among people ranging between 15 and 29 years of age.
With early recognition and timely intervention, depression can be treated effectively. A combination of psychotherapy and medication works best for depression. Hopefully, this article has helped you gain a fair idea of what untreated depression can do to you and your loved ones.
