Depression has been linked to a wide variety of mental health conditions. It is a complex mental disorder that can result in suicide, killing millions of people across the globe. Many people only think that depression can affect their mental health.
However, there have been extensive studies conducted to ascertain the correlation between depression and physical health. According to a study conducted by several kidney and diabetes doctors, individuals suffering from depression are at high risk of
experiencing complications from both diabetes and kidney disease.
If you want to understand the link between depression and these two diseases, then
continue reading for more information.
What is Depression?
Depression is defined as a mental health disorder, in which an individual experiences a loss of interest, fluctuating moods of extreme sadness, and other inhibitions affecting daily life.
Depression is rarely chronic, and it can also be treated by a medical professional. It also requires a medical diagnosis. Symptoms of clinical depression can include:
- Decreased level of energy
- Thoughts of suicide
- Changes in sleep
- Loss of concentration
- Loss of self-esteem
Depression is usually treated with talk therapy and medication. Recent research proves that both treatments are essential in stabilizing the brain changes associated with clinical depression.
Depression and Diabetes
Many studies point to the link between depression and diabetes. People with diabetes are more at risk of developing depression. It’s still unclear why this is. Some researchers claim that the effect that diabetes has on the metabolic functions of the brain, as well as the significant burden of managing the disease, can contribute to depression.
It’s very possible that people who are increasingly depressed can soon develop diabetes. As a result, it’s highly recommended that anyone who has a history of
depression see a doctor to be screened for diabetes.
Although additional research is required to fully uncover the correlation between depression and diabetes, a link is present. Alterations in brain chemistry that result from diabetes could be a factor in the development of clinical depression.
For example, extensive damage resulting from blocked blood vessels of diabetic kidney
disease can cause the development of depression for people living with diabetes. This
can lead to a higher rate of complications for depressed individuals diagnosed with
diabetes.
According to the previous study, people experiencing depression have a much higher risk of developing complications of diabetes. Researchers haven’t figured out the exact cause of this, but many do suspect that symptoms of depression can play a role in successfully managing diabetes.
In more elaboration, poor diabetes management can cause people to become depressed. For instance, if your blood sugar is too low or too high, you may experience
low energy and heavy anxiety.
Some may even become hopeless and feel that they have no power over their condition. This can cause depression, and at that point, their condition will only get worse.
Depression and Kidney Disease
Just like diabetes, there is a link to depression and kidney disease. Mainly, stress-associated depression can exacerbate the condition of kidney disease. This is because stress can cause increased blood pressure and blood sugar.
With diabetes and high blood pressure being the top causes of kidney disease, both conditions can cause irrevocable damage to your kidneys. Additionally, stress that isn’t properly managed can lead to further damage from poorly controlled high blood pressure and diabetes.
Again, people struggling to cope with kidney disease may also be prone to experiencing depression. Receiving news that you have kidney disease can be devastating, as there is a possibility of your kidneys dying if you don’t gain control of your condition.
For most people, depression can set in, making their condition worse over time. With that being said, there is a definite link between depression and kidney disease. Any type of stress related to the coping of kidney disease can cause depression. Depression can soon lead to harmful complications.
Possible Treatments
Medications and talk therapy are two of the most common deterrents for depression.
Medication is almost always used. Treating depression is similar to treating stress, in which selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed to help normalize brain functions associated with depression.
In addition, talk therapy from a clinical psychologist is also beneficial. These individuals play a vital role in rendering an effective consultation, as well as actionable daily tips for combatting depression.
In fact, psychology is one of the most effective ways of dealing with depression. Still, medications and talk therapy will not fully eliminate depression. The person experiencing depression will have to take their health into their own hands to fully mitigate their condition.
Ways to Reduce Depression
In addition to medication and talk therapy, there are key ways you can fight depression on a daily basis. Many of these methods do not require medication. Here is a breakdown of how you can become less depressed every day.
- Find little ways to help others
- Set realistic goals that will give you a sense of accomplishment
- Make time for pleasant activities or events
- Listen to music (preferably upbeat music)
- Exercise
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Focus only on positive relationships
- Achieve regular sleep
- Meditate, pray, etc
As you can see, these are little things you can do to reduce your daily depression. However, these tips can make a big difference in regard to your health. Be proactive and use these tips to combat depression so you can live a healthier life.
Is Your Depression Affecting Your Health?
A normal person will experience at least one episode of depression in his or her lifetime. Typically, that seems like an understatement dealing with life, financial uncertainty, marital issues, and much more.
You have to understand that depression will take a toll on your health if you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes and kidney disease. Therefore, putting in the
effort to cope with your depression should be a top priority.
Luckily, you’re not alone. At South Texas Renal Care Group, we specialize in top-notch renal care services. If you need assistance, please give us a call at (210) 212-8622 to learn more about how we can help you.
