Perhaps one of the most devastating psychiatric disorders can often be one of the more subtlest and pervasive as well. Depression can seep in at any age and from any source of strain in our lives. Often it can sit just below the surface undetected, only showing symptoms when it’s set more deeply in our daily routine.
But just how dangerous is depression?
Left untreated, depression can not only be quite serious, but deadly as well. This is often because depression can affect nearly all aspects of your life, which can be overwhelming for some. Fortunately, depression is treatable with a qualified psychiatrist, who can help identify the source, as well as work with you to help find solutions. However, left untreated, depression can lead to serious conditions:
- One of the most noticeable and potentially fatal signs of untreated depression.
If left untreated, depression can have serious — and sometimes long-term — consequences that can affect every aspect of your life. Fortunately, depression is treatable. By getting help and following your treatment plan, you can prevent these complications.
Suicide. Having thoughts of death and suicide are symptoms of depression. If depression is left untreated, thoughts that death may be the only release from pain may become more intense. Often, these thoughts are kept from friends and loved ones for many reasons. Unfortunately, without treatment, these thoughts left unchecked can only get worse. If you, or someone you know, are experiencing thoughts such as these, it’s important to find a qualified individual to help you move past these thoughts and on towards a more positive lifestyle
- Depression is a disorder that doesn’t want to go away, and will often manifest itself in the form of addiction.
To some, addiction may be seen simply as the inability to give up on something that is harmful to both themselves and others. While this may be true on some level, addiction may also be a way to mask a deeper depression. Even more dangerously, many instances of addiction stem from a person’s attempt to “self medicate” their problems away. However, drugs and alcohol, when combined with depression, is a dangerous cocktail that can only increase the risk of an even deeper depression that can even lead to suicide.
