TeenHealthFX - Answers - Depression Doesn't Really Need To Be Treated, Right?

Depression / Question
Published: October 21, 2009

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I have read on the internet that depression can be fatal if left untreated. But isn't it only fatal if the sufferer commits suicide? So, supposing I had depression, I wouldn't need to seek treatment as long as I had resolved never to kill myself, right? Because nothing could make me commit suicide if I didn't want to. I'd like to hear your thoughts on this. My mother saw a psychiatrist once but it didn't help her. She said she used to want to die but now she has children, she NEVER thinks about suicide anymore. So depression, unlike physical illness, doesn't really need to be treated...

Signed: Depression Doesn't Really Need To Be Treated, Right?

Dear Depression Doesn't Really Need To Be Treated, Right?,

As far as depression being fatal if left untreated, there are a few ways in which depression, if left untreated, can result in death or other physical problems. Obviously if a person is depressed to the point of feeling suicidal, and the depression is not treated, that person could go through with a suicidal plan and die. But there are other ways that depression can influence health – and while the influence may not cause immediate death, it can contribute to very problematic physical conditions, some of which that might result in premature death. Consider the following:

· Many people who are living with untreated depression overeat and/or do not engage in a sufficient amount of exercise and physical activity. These people run the risk of becoming overweight or obese – conditions which can lead to all kinds of physical health problems and even premature death.

· There are people living with untreated depression who turn to alcohol and drugs as a way to escape and self-medicate. The use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs can cause various immediate and long-term health problems, and a person abusing alcohol or drugs certainly can run the risk of overdosing or taking a life (their own or someone else’s) if they drive under the influence.

· Apathy is one of many symptoms that people living with depression can experience. A person who feels apathetic basically doesn’t care about things and doesn’t have a sense of feeling like things are important or interesting. When people feel chronically apathetic about things, they are often not on top of lots of things that are important – such as staying up to date on well-visit doctor’s appointments or going to the doctor when something is medically wrong. Obviously ignoring or putting off any needed medical care can be problematic in many ways.

Not only can depression contribute to various physical problems, but it can contribute to other kinds of emotional and social problems as well when left untreated:

· People with depression often find getting through a day feels very difficult. Between fatigue, a lack of energy, diminished interest in things, and more – it can feel like a strain and struggle each day for people who are living with untreated depression.

· School performance and work performance can suffer. People who are depressed often have low drive and energy, as well as diminished interest in things – this can make staying on top of school work or tasks at a job very difficult.

· Relationships can be effected – it can be difficult to form and/or maintain healthy and close relationships with family, friends, and significant others.

· Some people with depression tend to isolate and keep to themselves – these people might end up missing out on a lot of life experiences, whether experiences of meeting new people and being with friends and family, or doing things like traveling and going to new places.

Given the information presented above, FX would like you to think about, and be aware of, the following:

1. If a person feels suicidal – particularly if a person has a plan and intent – it is important for that person to seek help immediately. For our readers, this would include telling a trusted adult immediately, such as a parent or school staff member, and then setting up an appointment as soon as possible with a mental health professional in the case of passive suicidal ideation (thoughts of wanting to die with no intent or plan) or calling 911 or going to your local emergency room in the event the person has any kind of plan in place or intent.

2. There is effective treatment available for people suffering from depressive disorders. Individual therapy, family therapy, medication management, or some combination of the three can be used to treat contributing factors such as environmental factors, relationships issues, and biological processes occurring within the body – all of which can contribute to depression. Depression is not seen as something that will simply go away or can be willed away. Different treatment providers may have their own philosophies about the best types of treatment for depression – but the medical and mental health community generally agrees that depression requires treatment of some kind.

3. It would be a tragedy for someone to take his/her own life because of untreated depression – to think that a person’s life could have been saved if treatment was sought out and implemented. But you could also say that it would be a tragedy for a person to live his/her life in emotional pain and dealing with some of the physical and/or psychosocial repercussions of living with untreated depression knowing that treatment is available to help create a better quality of life for that person.

4. Some people living with depression may never feel suicidal and may never experience major physical health problems related to things like being overweight or abusing drugs. However, whether or not to seek out treatment in the end depends on what a person wants out of his/her life. There may be no immediate or long-term physical danger in store for that person – but if the depression interferes with relationships, school or work, or any other area, wouldn’t it make sense to seek out treatment to improve overall quality of life?

If you ever find yourself dealing with depression, and see that the depression is interfering in your day-to-day living in some way, please consider seeking out professional help.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of referrals in your area.

If you, or anyone you know, get to the point that you are seriously considering suicide or are afraid of your impulses then you need to seek help immediately. You can call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room. In northern New Jersey you can also call the crisis hotline from Morristown Memorial hospital at 973-540-0100. Outside this area call the Suicide & Crisis Hotline, 1-800-999-9999, 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Signed: TeenHealthFX