Doctor Calendar specialist Psk. Buğrahan Kırbaş gave important information about depression. Depression, a mood disorder, is defined as a state of constant sadness and lack of enjoyment of life. Depression, which affects approximately 4% of the population in Turkey, seriously affects the person emotionally. It also causes physical damage. Stating that depression increases the risk of some physical diseases, Psk said that some diseases can trigger depression. Kırbaş described the physical symptoms of depression as follows:
“Two out of every three people with depression experience increasing pain. It is also common in chronic fatigue, loss of appetite, insomnia or oversleeping.”
Depression raises the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol or adrenaline, increasing the risk of developing certain diseases. It also affects the immune system, making it harder for our body to fight infection. Pointing out that depression is also associated with an increased risk of heart disease and substance abuse, Psk. Buğrahan Kırbaş said, “Many physical changes caused by depression, such as insomnia or lack of deep sleep, are thought to weaken the immune system. This can make existing diseases worse. In contrast, physical changes caused by depression or chronic illness can trigger depression. If the person is not treated, this can lead to a vicious circle.
Many diseases such as heart attack, coronary artery disease (without heart attack), Parkinson's disease, autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis or lupus, HIV/AIDS, stroke, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, arthritis can be seen together with depression. In addition, depression increases the risk of these diseases, although not always. "For example; Although there is no evidence to support the idea that depression causes cancer, the two are often seen together. "In people who already have heart disease, high levels of stress hormones can make it harder for them to do the necessary tissue repair," says Psk. Kırbaş reminded that depression affects the course of other diseases and increases the possibility of developing complications. Stating that this is because depression magnifies physical changes in our brain and body, Psk. Kırbaş underlined that the common pain in depression also complicates the treatment.
Stating that people with chronic pain can have a more severe depression, Psk. Kırbaş made the following warnings:
“For the treatment process, first of all, it will be useful to consult with a psychologist who is an expert in his field. If you are in a depressed mood, talk to your psychologist about treatment. In addition to antidepressants and talk therapy, exercise may also help. Recent studies have shown that exercise can be effective for mild to moderate depression. If you are considering taking herbal remedies, be sure to consult your doctor. Because some of these can interact in harmful ways with medications or other supplements.”
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