What are the harms of depression?
1. Functional decline: Long-term depressive mood can lead to thinking difficulties, a significant decrease in the efficiency of mental labor, affecting brain function, dizziness, memory decline, and mental disorders.
2. Inducing physical illnesses: Patients with depression have twice the risk of developing heart disease and three times the likelihood of suffering from a stroke. Common symptoms include reduced appetite, weight loss, decreased libido, constipation, impotence, amenorrhea, and fatigue. Family and friends of patients may also suffer mentally and experience some impact on their work conditions.
3. Persistent negative and pessimistic thinking: A depressed state can lead to negative, pessimistic thoughts, as well as feelings of guilt and low self-esteem. Individuals may feel that everything is fraught with difficulties and that their future is bleak and hopeless.
4. Shortened lifespan: A study spanning 40 years has found that the mortality rate caused by dysfunction due to depression is as high as that of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease patients.
5. Impairment of social functions: After being afflicted with depression, individuals often experience thinking difficulties, sleep disorders, reduced appetite, and a marked decrease in the efficiency of mental labor. They may find it hard to handle daily work and may also experience a weakened immune system, leading to a decline in both social and physiological capabilities.
6. Increase family burdens and make it difficult to rest peacefully.
7. Chronic insomnia leading to sleep disorders.