In addition to having a negative impact on mental conditions, depression also affects the physical health of the sufferer. The negative effects that appear can vary, ranging from digestive problems to heart disease.
Depression is a mental health disorder that can affect the emotions, ways of thinking, and behavior of sufferers. People who experience depression tend to be unenthusiastic about life, feel sad continuously, hopelessly, and even think about committing suicide.
The Impact of Depression on the Body
The negative impact of depression on sufferers is enormous. Not only mentally damaging, this mental condition can also cause physical complaints, including:
1. Problems with the digestive system
Depression is closely related to digestive system problems. People with depression usually experience an increase or decrease in appetite. The dose and nutrition of the food consumed was also not considered.
As a result, people with depression are prone to various digestive problems, such as stomach pain or cramps, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcerative colitis. They will also be at risk for obesity, malnutrition, and in severe conditions may develop geriatric anorexia.
2. Decreased sexual desire
Depression can also ruin your sex life. you know. People who are depressed are prone to decreased libido, so they feel reluctant to have sexual activity or do not even feel pleasure during sex.
In addition, depression can also cause anorgasmia or difficulty achieving orgasm and erectile dysfunction.
3. Impaired brain function
Certain parts of the brain, including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, can shrink when a person is depressed. The impact of shrinking this part of the brain is the decreased ability to remember, store memories, make decisions, and process emotions.
In addition, depression can also cause a part of the brain called the amygdala to overwork. Changes in the amygdala have an impact on sleep patterns and activities of people with depression. Now, Sleep disorders in people with depression, such as insomnia, can also lead to other health problems.
4. Heart problems
The stress hormones released when a person is depressed can make the heart beat faster and faster. If left for a long time, this condition increases the risk of heart disease. One of them is coronary heart disease which can be fatal.
5. Weakened immunity
Depression can reduce a person's motivation to live a healthy lifestyle. This will make the body lack of energy and decrease immunity. When the body's immunity weakens, the body will not be able to fight viruses and bacteria so it is more susceptible to disease.
In addition to the health problems above, depression can also cause headaches, aches or weakness, and pain that lasts for a long time and doesn't get better with treatment.
From the explanation above, it is important for you to remember that depression is not a health problem that can be taken lightly and must be treated immediately. If neglected, the quality of life of people with depression will get worse, both mentally and physically.
If you experience symptoms of depression, you should immediately consult a psychologist or psychiatrist. Take the recommended efforts to overcome depression, so that slowly you can live a healthier and happier life.
