Impact of Depression on Health

  •   Fri, Oct 06 2023
  •   By Dr Krithishree Somanna

October 6, 2023

Before getting to know about how depression would impact on our physical health it is better we understand the concept of ‘Mind and Body connection’. Initially, approximately 300 yrs. ago ‘Mind and Body’ was treated as a whole. Later in the 17th century, these two entities were dichotomised and were viewed and treated as separate. However, in the 20th century the Mind and Body connections were greatly explored. The link between the thoughts, emotions and behaviour impacting physical health has become an important component of holistic medicine.

Whenever we are stressed either because of external stressors like interpersonal problems, work related issues, academic tensions, financial problems, sudden loss or because of internal stressors like hormonal issues, illnesses, immunological disturbances, usage of drugs our body is said to be in stress. In response to stress, our body releases two hormones: adrenaline and cortisol. These stress hormones are known to give us a short term kick known as ‘adrenaline rush’ to tide over the stressful situation. However, when the stress gets into a chronic mode it may result in the release of these hormones consistently over a long time. This would negatively impact physical health like weakening the immune system, gastro intestinal issues, sleep disturbances and various somatic complaints.

Depression is a common and serious mental health issue which negatively impacts a person with a feeling of low mood. Depression is not just a brain disorder affecting only the emotional unit but it’s a complex health issue with other associated physical problems like easy fatigability, restlessness, insomnia, reduced sexual drive, disturbed appetite, changes in weight and various somatic complaints like aches and pains, tension headache and gastrointestinal complaints.

Depression and physical illnesses: it's a vicious cycle. Physical issues of Depression are known to weaken the immune system and hence worsening of physical health. In turn, the physical changes of the chronic physical illnesses are known to worsen the Depressive symptoms.

Some of the physical issues in relation to Depression are:

1. Reduced immunity: Depression is known to reduce the immunity and leave the individual vulnerable for infections or delayed recovery from the underlying illnesses. Researchers have found a link between depression and inflammation which would help us in the better understanding of the link of issues like Irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis or fibromyalgia like conditions with Depression.
2. Impact on cardiovascular system: In Depression, as a result of increased stress hormones, there is a frequent rise in heart rate and blood pressure. This may lead to tightening of the blood vessels and reduced blood flow to the heart muscles and the periphery. Over time, these may lead to heart diseases, hypertension and cardiac events like heart attacks and stroke. The risk may be further higher if there is a coexisting smoking, physical inactivity and overeating secondary to Depression.
3. Impact on Central nervous system: Individuals with Depression are known to have higher risk to Alzheimer’s dementia, Epilepsy and Multiple Sclerosis. The memory problems may be secondary to prolonged disturbance in focusing, sleep disturbances and tension headaches. And the neurological issues may be also due to the excessive stress hormones.
4. On Gastrointestinal system: Depression is associated with disturbed appetite, nausea, vomiting and weight loss or stress eating and weight gain.
5. Metabolic changes: Being Depressed with low energy, motivation and poor diet may increase the risk of various metabolic disturbances like obesity, type2 Diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disorders.

Influence of Depression in the course of chronic illnesses

Depression may magnify the health problems by delaying tissue repair due to increased stress hormone. In the background of Depression, it may be difficult to stay on complaint medications or to follow the treatment instructions. The pain threshold may be low in individuals with Depression.

Treatment of Depression to achieve Holistic health

The mind and body connection is intertwined and it is pertinent to discuss both the physical health and mental health issues with your treating doctor. Let the doctor decide if the Depression is causing the physical problems, or the vice versa or both. Also let the doctor know about all the medications used for other health conditions as some of the medications are known to cause Depression. Management of depressive symptoms has shown better glycaemic control among the Diabetics, also improved quality of life in patients with cancer. In case of Depressive symptoms of any minor degree, make sure to involve the mental health professional in the treatment process along with your healthcare provider.

 

 

 
By Dr Krithishree Somanna
Dr Krithishree Somanna is a consultant psychiatrist at KMC Hospital, Mangaluru
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Comment on this article

  • david pais, mangalore

    Mon, Oct 09 2023

    nothing like practicing deep breathing..slow and deep and not fast...this will sort out many problems..and yes...gut health is very important plus overall eating pattern etc...butyeko method of breathing is the best

  • Rudolf Rodrigues, Mumbai -Mangalore

    Sun, Oct 08 2023

    Doc; I would like to add something important which I missed in my earlier post::: Now modern medicine is recognising the importance of the guy and it's healthy microbiome as the root cause of most illnesses; the gut is now recognised as the second brain!! The gut-brain axis and the brain-gut axis are inversely connected, it's like a vicious cycle; now I'm reminded why our parents used to force us to take Castor oil every month; it's now we'll established that a clean gut is the main attribute to absence of disease; also the importance of good food and getting adequate supply of micronutrients, which in many cases is also the root cause of mental issues! Now various holistic methods like NLP, brain rewiring, trans cranial magnetic therapy, forest therapy etc. have been successfully used to treat depression; laDoc; I would like to add something important which I missed in my earlier post::: Now modern medicine is recognising the importance of the guy and it's healthy microbiome as the root cause of most illnesses; the gut is now recognised as the second brain!! The gut-brain axis and the brain-gut axis are inversely connected, it's like a vicious cycle; now I'm reminded why our parents used to force us to take Castor oil every month; it's now we'll established that a clean gut is the main attribute to absence of disease; also the importance of good food and getting adequate supply of micronutrients, which in many cases is also the root cause of mental issues! Now various holistic methods like NLP, brain rewiring, trans cranial magnetic therapy, forest therapy etc. have been successfully used to treat depression! I personally think the world is more and more veering towards alternative systems of medicine, integrative medicine etc because of the classical adverse effects of chemical agents the latest addition is the once banned psilocybin (magic oms 🍄) approved for drug resistant depression! PTSD....

  • Rudolf Rodrigues, Mumbai -Mangalore

    Sun, Oct 08 2023

    Very informative article, creating public awareness on the extent of vague, unexplainable symptoms in an otherwise normal person! BTW, I think you have missed out on a depressed persona having a high propensity/tendency to addiction of mind altering substances! Incidentally, I have seen you recently in your pvt consulting office here for lon standing history of depression and anxiety mixed with OCD and eating disorder; I liked your tender, loving, care (TLC) approach while talking to a majorly depressed person without any sort of white coat Ego; wishing to see you soon again! Cheers and Best Wishes 🙏

  • Daniel, Mangalore

    Sat, Oct 07 2023

    As humans are spiritual beings with body animating souls and the spirit of God, the breath, Divine Words which are spirit and life, memorising and meditating them frequently would definitely heal the soul which in turn will heal the body as well. Whereas keeping anger, unforgiveness, rejection, holding grudge, even addictions... which are not Divine, will add more misery. So forgive and let go and read Holy Scripture apart from medications to get healed quickly from depression or for that matter from any other disease.


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