How Does Depression Ruin You Silently?

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Depression may cause neurological alterations in the brain that result in physical, emotional as well as mental changes. The main causes of these changes are modifications in the neurotransmitter production such as norepinepherine and serotonin, and how the neurotransmitter receptor sites function. Many specialists refer to these changes as being signs of depression. They may include modifications in loss of appetite, fatigue as well as sleep patterns.

Stress Hormones

It is very important that you understand the connection between depression and stress. According to many specialists, chronic stress and severe acute stress might lead to signs of depression. The effects that it has physically are compounded by the stress response of the body. During this stress response, the adrenal glands of the body will secrete three very vital hormones known as cortisol, norepinephrine and epinephrine. These hormones are mainly responsible for the symptoms for when the body is in the fight or flight mode. Blood pressure and elevated heart rate, shunting of blood from organs to the brain and elevated blood glucose help the body respond to certain threats. The effects may include loss of appetite, anxiety, irregular and rapid heartbeat and dry mouth.

Blood Glucose

According to much research, prolonged depression and stress may affect the production of corticosteroids which might result into stress hyperglycemia. According to specialists, hyperglycemia may increase the incidence of poor wound healing, hypertension, kidney disease and neuropathy.

Immune System

Depression may weaken the body's immune system, generally the natural killer T-cells that are needed to assist in protecting the body from cancer-causing agents known as, carcinogens. An immune system that is weak will also affect the inflammatory response of the body. Specialists report that this effect from depression has been closely related with many increased incidents of autoimmune disorders, heart disease, asthma and osteoarthritis.

Cardiovascular System

According to many specialists from the American College of Cardiology, due to the releasing of endogenous catecholamines, also known as the body's stress hormones, this may cause an increased heart rate as well as vasocontriction. This may lead to an increase in the body's blood pressure making it necessary for the heart to work much harder. The common neurovegetative symptoms of stress or depression make it less likely for an individual to exercise, sleep or even eat properly. These behaviors will increase the risk of an individual developing a cardiovascular complication such as stroke, heart attack, atherosclerosis or high blood pressure.

Mood Changes

It is very common for a person that has depression to feel helpless and hopeless. Even if there are advantageous events in the individual's life, their depression will not allow them to improve on their mood. Another effect that depression has on the emotions is feeling worthless, in which the patient feels like they should hate themselves and that their life is worth nothing, not even living. The patient could also experience moments of feeling guilty, which may be accompanied by crying or sadness spells that have no real cause. Generally, the person that has depression has a very low level of mood. Moods that change very frequently could be a sign of depression.

Suicide

When both of these feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness increase, the patient may become suicidal. It is known that nearly 15% of the people, who live with depression, generally die from suicide. If suicidal behaviors or thoughts are common in the individual, it is best that immediate help is sought. If help is not looked for, the person may cause great harm to themselves, as causing harm to others isn't typically a symptom of depression.

Irritability

Another effect on the emotions due to depression is known as irritability. The person suffering from depression might become more agitated or irritated, which might be a great change in their emotions when compared with sadness that is generally associated with those that have depression. Being annoyed easily is another common symptom associated with depression. The person could also be found to be restless.

Author Bio:

In this article, Camia Sidle explains the different ways that depression can ruin the body silently. It is best that if you feel you have depression, you look into coaching or anger management counselling that may help you overcome your depression.