The mental and physical symptoms that manifest from depression are well known by over 21% of North Carolina residents diagnosed with the mental health condition.
Besides low energy, trouble sleeping and slower movements, a new study also found depression accelerates the development of chronic conditions by 30%, specifically osteoarthritis, hypertension and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
"Taking care of your mental health is just as important as prioritizing diet and exercise when it comes to preventing chronic diseases,” explains Dr. David Shelburne, a family medicine physician at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. “These habits are examples of modifiable lifestyle choices because they can be changed to improve your overall well-being.”
Additional factors contributing to chronic conditions:
Excessive alcohol consumption and/or tobacco use
Alcohol and tobacco can weaken your immune system, making you more prone to chronic illnesses, like liver disease, heart disease and stroke. Research also indicates that alcohol can increase your risk of cancer.
Elevated blood pressure and/or cholesterol
High blood pressure caused over 685,000 deaths in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When plaque builds up in the arteries, often caused by high cholesterol, it makes the heart work harder to pump blood. This strain on the heart can contribute to chronic conditions, like heart disease and stroke.
Unmanaged blood glucose
Diabetes is a chronic disease that causes blood glucose levels to fluctuate. If not properly managed, these fluctuations can damage blood vessels, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Excess weight
Obesity means your joints bear added pressure, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis. This is why health care providers often recommend losing weight before joint replacement surgery to improve outcomes.
Obesity often is a result of not eating a balanced diet, which can elevate blood pressure and cholesterol levels due to poor food choices.
Poor sleep
An American College of Cardiology study discovered that inadequate sleep increases your risk of high blood pressure by 7%. Additionally, chronic conditions like obesity can lead to sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, which can significantly disrupt your sleep quality.
What is beyond your control?
“It's important to concentrate on factors within your control, especially if your family history includes certain chronic conditions,” states Dr. Shelburne, who sees patients with a full range of conditions at the Reynolda Family Medicine office. “For those genetically predisposed to specific health issues, your health care provider can offer tailored advice to help lessen the risk.”
If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of emotional distress, call or text the suicide & crisis lifeline at 988.