Can depression cause long term effects?
Matthew Wilson
Updated on March 03, 2026
According to the Mayo Clinic, patients with untreated long-term depression are more prone to sleep disruptions, heart disease, weight gain or loss, weakened immune system, and physical pain. Depression can result in an unhealthy cycle.
Can your brain recover from depression?
While depression can have serious consequences for the patient, Videbech says there is hope as the brain can be forced to heal itself in many cases. Treatment with antidepressants and electroshock seem to be able to start the formation of new nerve cells, so areas that have shrunk can be built up again.
Can you get cleared from depression?
In 2016, more than 16 million adults experienced at least one major depressive episode. While depression can be treated, and symptoms can be alleviated, depression cannot be “cured.” Instead, remission is the goal. There’s no universally accepted definition of remission, as it varies for each person.
Can depression make you stare into space?
Feeling ‘Not There’ Sometimes we find ourselves losing time. We realise we have been staring into space for minutes or hours on end. Sometimes we feel detached from our environment. At times it can feel like there is a space, or an invisible wall between us and other people.
How do you fix long term depression?
To make the most of depression treatment:
- Stick to your treatment plan. Don’t skip therapy sessions or appointments.
- Stop drinking or using recreational drugs. Many people with depression drink too much alcohol or use recreational drugs or marijuana.
- Manage stress.
- Sleep well.
- Get regular exercise.
What happens if you don’t treat your depression?
Untreated depression increases the chance of risky behaviors such as drug or alcohol addiction. It also can ruin relationships, cause problems at work, and make it difficult to overcome serious illnesses. Clinical depression, also known as major depression, is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts.
Can you have permanent depression?
Persistent depressive disorder, also called dysthymia (dis-THIE-me-uh), is a continuous long-term (chronic) form of depression. You may lose interest in normal daily activities, feel hopeless, lack productivity, and have low self-esteem and an overall feeling of inadequacy.
Is there confusion with depression?
Depression has been linked to memory problems, such as forgetfulness or confusion. It can also make it difficult to focus on work or other tasks, make decisions, or think clearly. Stress and anxiety can also lead to poor memory.
What is the journey to recovery like?
Recovery is a Journey Recovering from mental illness includes not only getting better, but achieving a full and satisfying life. Many people affirm that their journey to recovery has not been a straight, steady road. Rather there are ups and downs, new discoveries and setbacks.
What does recovery from mental illness look like?
Recovering from mental illness includes not only getting better, but achieving a full and satisfying life. Many people affirm that their journey to recovery has not been a straight, steady road. Rather there are ups and downs, new discoveries and setbacks.
What are the “unusual” signs of depression?
Recognizing the “unusual” signs of depression. People tend to think that the telltale sign of depression is sadness—a pervasive down, dragging feeling that won’t let up, day after day. But depression often manifests itself as something else entirely—like aches and pains or memory lapses. These “unusual” symptoms are actually quite common.
Is it depression or something else all around?
But depression often manifests itself as something else entirely—like aches and pains or memory lapses. These “unusual” symptoms are actually quite common. They can mask depression—and delay an important diagnosis—especially in older people.