Depression can seep into multiple parts of your life, affecting your mental and physical health far beyond your mood. At ReKlame Health, we often work with people who are experiencing depression and treating their condition.

Many are living with the effects of severe depression, and we can help them manage these effects. One of our care teams may be able to help you, too. We accept many types of insurance, Medicaid, Medicare and self-pay for virtual treatment. You can rely on us for a thorough discussion of your depression, information about a diagnosis or medication management services. We’re here to help you step forward into a brighter future.

How can severe depression affect the mind and body?

No two people experience depression in exactly the same way, but many people share similar symptoms and experiences. Depression may leave you feeling joyless, hopeless or apathetic. It can lead to behavioral changes that affect your health. Additionally, depression can contribute to chronic pain, and chronic pain can deepen depression, causing a cycle of worsening symptoms. We may be able to help you break the pain-depression cycle.

Here are five impacts that severe depression can have on your mind and body::

• Anhedonia

Anhedonia is a clinical term for the inability to feel certain positive emotions like contentment, happiness or pleasure. Without these feelings, you may no longer enjoy things that you used to love.

When you would usually have fun with your friends or laugh at your partner’s jokes, you might not feel like it. You may lose your passion for your profession, studies, creative work or spirituality.

• Loss of focus

This effect on your mind can drive a wedge between you and the things that you used to love, too. You may find yourself unable to focus at work or in classes. You might have trouble with burnout at work or in other parts of your life.

You might sit down to watch a TV show or read a book — and realize, later, that you don’t remember much of what you watched or read. Having trouble focusing can lead to feelings of disconnection and doubts about your abilities.

• Appetite changes

Depression can make you lose your appetite or stop enjoying food that you used to like. It can also increase your appetite or cause you to turn to food for comfort. Long-term undereating and overeating can each cause problems, and not just minor weight loss or gain. Weight changes can be extreme.

Additionally, continued disturbances to your eating habits can affect your heart health, cholesterol and blood sugar. They can lead to vitamin deficiencies. And when your physical health slides, your mental health might decline further, creating a negative cycle.

• Sleep disturbances

Your symptoms might make getting out of bed difficult. You could find yourself sleeping much more than usual, whether you feel tired or you use sleep to escape overwhelming thoughts and feelings. On the other hand, you might find that depression makes good sleep elusive. You could have trouble falling or staying asleep.

Excessive sleep can disrupt your lifestyle, work or relationships. Insomnia can damage your physical health quickly, leaving you feeling sick, confused and desperate for rest. Long-term sleep loss is associated with higher risks of diabetes, heart disease and obesity. It’s even associated with heart attacks and strokes.

• Hygiene difficulties

In the middle of severe depression symptoms, it’s easy to lose sight of a few daily habits. Some people with depression have trouble maintaining their usual hygiene habits, like brushing their teeth twice a day or taking care of their skin. This can lead to dental issues or skin problems. If long hair isn’t combed regularly, tangles can turn into mats that require a hairstylist’s help.

You may feel like you’re alone with these problems. You might not want others to see these issues, and you might be afraid of asking for help. Instead of waiting and allowing issues to worsen, try to take a step toward seeking professional help.

Get compassionate help treating depression from ReKlame

Recovering from depression may not be easy, but it is worthwhile. Reaching a healthier state of mind can help you enjoy things again and find your focus. It can help you move toward healthier eating habits and restful, refreshing sleep. It may help you find the motivation to stay on top of self-care and treat any health issues caused by depression.

Give our care team a call today for more information, check your eligibility for free online or book an initial appointment online.