Depression And Physical Health Conditions

The word depression is often associated with emotional struggles, stress, or significant life changes. But those are not the only factors that trigger depression. The condition itself is a mental challenge.

Still, there is a straight-line connection between mental health and physical health. They are deeply intertwined. When one is affected, the other often follows. So, what are some physical health conditions that trigger depression? How do they manifest themselves, and how can we address them together? Read on to find out why depression causes, symptoms, and types of treatment are what we at NuLife are experts at helping.

Living with a chronic physical health condition can be emotionally overwhelming. Studies have already shown that the emotional turmoil that comes with physical conditions is enough to cause chronic depression.

Persistent pain from conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or back injuries can wear down even the most bubbly people you know. The pain takes a toll on their body and mind. They find that they have mood swings, are unable to sleep, and enjoy life. With these things weighing them down, the end result is often depression.

Your hormones might also be the key to your depressive feelings. Conditions like thyroid disorders, diabetes, or hormonal changes from menopause can disrupt your body’s natural balance. These hormones play a key role in regulating mood and with imbalances come feelings of sadness, irritability, or hopelessness.

Physical health conditions often come with lifestyle adjustments. For instance, people who have diabetes might have to swear off sugar and sweets. They come with dietary restrictions, reduced mobility, and giving up activities you once loved. These changes can lead to feelings of frustration, isolation, or grief.

The connection works both ways. Depression itself is a causating factor that can ravage your body. For example, depression lowers your immune response and makes you more susceptible to infections. In some cases, it even slows the recovery process and even makes you feel worse.

Aside from this, here are more ways that depression affects your physical health. Here they are:

Studies show that depression is linked to a higher risk of developing conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Depression can make it harder to maintain a healthy lifestyle, contributing to these risks.

When depression and physical illness coexist, the symptoms of both can intensify. For example, depression can make managing diabetes more challenging, leading to poor blood sugar control.

Depression often brings fatigue and low energy. People who suffer from the condition even find that they are not able to do basic things like even personal grooming. Over time, this fatigue makes it harder to stick to treatment plans, exercise, or eat healthily.

Because physical and mental health are so closely linked. You cannot treat one without the other because it leaves gaps in your care. If you do so, you will only get a worse version of the depression you did not address simultaneously.

If you’re living with a physical health condition and noticing signs of depression, then it is time to signal an alarm.

At NuLife, we understand that healing isn’t about focusing on one aspect of your health but addressing the whole picture. Our unique approach combines mental health support, addiction recovery, and strategies for managing physical health challenges.

You don’t have to face this alone. Let us help you break the cycle and regain control of your well-being. Contact us today to take the first step toward a healthier, happier you.

Don’t let depression ruin your life. NuLife Behavioral Health offers specialized depression treatment programs in:

• Framingham, Massachusetts
• Worcester, Massachusetts
• Fishers, Indiana
• Buffalo Grove, Illinois