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These symptoms should not be ignored. Consequences of untreated depression

Tych objawów nie wolno lekceważyć. Skutki nieleczonej depresji

Often underestimated, associated with a bad mood, and neglected. It becomes even more dangerous when the uneven fight is waged alone, without the help of a specialist. Do you know how dangerous untreated depression is? If you experience chronic fatigue, sadness and constant depression, be sure to read our article. You will find out what symptoms you need to look out for and what the consequences of untreated depression can be.

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What is depression

Colloquially, we refer to depression when we mean depressed. In psychiatry, the term depression is a specific type of disorder characterised by prolonged feelings of despair and hopelessness. A person experiencing depression experiences deep sadness, feels depressed, tired and lacks energy. Depression can be a one-off or recurring. However, it always has a negative impact on life.

Untreated depression – symptoms

Symptoms of untreated depression are stretched over time. A single depressive episode in which the patient clearly shows a reduction in mood may last continuously for at least two weeks.

Symptoms of untreated depression:

  • mood disturbances for most of the day that are not dependent on circumstances
  • irritability, hostility, excessive agitation (or apathy)
  • lowered self-esteem
  • lack of confidence in themselves and their abilities
  • a tendency to deny their own achievements
  • feeling powerless in the experience of anger, suppression of anger
  • feeling like a victim, feeling sorry for yourself
  • a constant feeling of fatigue, lack of energy
  • weakened concentration, difficulties with logical thinking
  • problems with memory and learning
  • increasing feelings of anxiety
  • sleeping disorders, insomnia
  • neglecting responsibilities
  • loss of previous interests
  • progressive withdrawal from social contact
  • suicidal thoughts.

Moreover, mental problems are only part of the symptoms indicative of untreated depression. Somatic symptoms, which accompany them with varying degrees of severity, exacerbate the patient's predicament. The most common somatic symptoms in untreated depression include the following:

  • sexual dysfunction
  • appetite disturbances or excessive appetite
  • pain of varying intensity and nature

Untreated depression – consequences

Untreated depression leads to far-reaching consequences affecting both health and all aspects of the sufferer's daily life. Consequences of untreated depression include:

  • recurrent episodes of major depressive disorder
  • development of anxiety disorders
  • development of other mental illnesses and disorders (e.g. delusions, persecutory thoughts)
  • suicidal thoughts and attempts
  • changes in personality.

Untreated depression, indirectly, also contributes to somatic diseases and disorders and bothersome ailments such as:

  • bulimia, anorexia
  • weight management problems, overweight
  • perpetuation of sexual dysfunctions, e.g. erectile problems, inability to experience orgasm
  • hypertension
  • diabetes
  • atherosclerosis, heart disease
  • heart attack, stroke
  • persistent stomach pains or headaches
  • chest pains.

Untreated depression also affects the poorer prognosis of chronic diseases, including cancer. The social alienation that often accompanies it leads to loneliness and worsens problems. Moreover, untreated depression is very life-threatening for the patient. In Poland, depression contributes to nearly 4,000 annual suicides.

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What long-term untreated depression leads to

A document released by the World Health Organisation Mental Health Action Plan 2013 - 2020 shows the impact of depressive disorders on other illnesses. People struggling with depression are more likely to become ill and experience inadequate treatment. This is due to a reluctance to undergo tests and fear of treatment. As a result, many illnesses go undetected or are detected too late, e.g.:

  • HIV infection
  • cancer
  • diabetes
  • heart diseases.

The presence of depression has also been found to increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Patients with a pronounced mood disorder often have a lifestyle that contributes to health problems, e.g.:

  • are less physically active
  • pay less attention to the principles of healthy eating, often resorting to convenience or fast food
  • often treat sadness with sweets or unhealthy snacks
  • have higher levels of stress hormones due to anxiety.

All of these factors can lead to the development of lifestyle diseases such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes.

Will untreated depression go away?

Untreated depression can end in death. In addition to the illnesses to which it often leads, between 60 and 80 per cent of people struggling with depression have thoughts of death or suicide. According to statistics, as many as 15% of sufferers take their own lives. Expecting untreated depression to simply go away is very risky. Depression always requires specialist psychiatric help.

If you experience persistently depressed mood over a long period of time, have difficulty with daily activities or have suicidal thoughts, consult a psychiatrist or a psychologist or GP who will decide whether your condition requires consultation with a psychiatrist.

Diagnosis of depression involves recognising the patient's behaviour. An e-visit is just as effective as a visit to a stationary office. By using telemedicine, you save time on travel and, most importantly, you gain fast contact with a specialist. You make an e-visit from wherever you are. You could hardly be more comfortable when it comes to psychological support.

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Book your appointment today, our doctors online are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will respond as quickly as possible. Log in or register to book an appointment with the possibility of receiving an e prescription online. Don't want to wait for an appointment? Use our Express services (among others Sick leave L4 online Express) and see a doctor within 15 minutes after registration. 

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