According to records from the National Institute of Health in the United States, as many as 80% of people who experience depression can recover within a few weeks and months after undergoing treatment. Unfortunately, in Indonesia, the awareness to recognize symptoms of depression and go to a psychiatric specialist or psychologist is still very minimal. As a result, many people ignore depression without treatment or consulting a professional. In fact, if depression is not treated, its effects can be life-threatening. Consider some of the consequences of untreated depression below.
Heart disease
A number of recent studies have shown that the consequences of prolonged and untreated depression are triggers for various types of heart disease. Starting from stroke, coronary heart disease, to heart attack. Depression makes a person more susceptible to heart disease because of a hormonal imbalance in the blood. When you are depressed, your brain is constantly receiving signals of a threat. So, the brain also releases stress hormones, namely adrenaline, and cortisol into the blood. High levels of both hormones increase blood pressure, make your heartbeat irregularly, and over time damage blood vessels. Research published by Oxford University in 2014 also revealed that people who suffer from depression have a higher tendency to die from heart disease. Especially a few months after having a heart attack.
Addicted
If depression is not treated properly, you are at high risk for addiction. Be it addiction to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or gambling. This is because some people mistakenly think that being addicted can help them cope with symptoms of depression. For example, feelings of hopelessness can disappear for a while because of drug use. In fact, drugs actually cause more damage to brain circuits and body systems. As a result, the mood that is actually regulated by the brain becomes even more chaotic and difficult to control. After the effect wears off, the desperation becomes even more abundant.