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5 Surprising Ways Depression Impacts Mental Health

Surprising Ways Depression Impacts Mental Health

It's no secret that overall mental health is affected by depression, an illness that affects almost 1 in 10 Americans. But what you may not know are the surprising side effects of having depression.

#1 Too Much Shuteye

The relationship between depression and sleep is complicated. If you're battling depression, then you know that a good night’s sleep can be a rare thing indeed.

In fact, according to this study, insomniacs were 10 times more likely to develop depression than people without sleeping problems.

On the flip side, getting too much sleep can be just as bad as having insomnia. So developing good sleep hygiene is crucial for getting more energy throughout the day.

If you tend to oversleep, set an alarm clock for 7 or 8 hours.

Try to stick to a constant bedtime.

Don’t go to sleep too late. Stick to bedtime around 10-11 pm.

Read more here on → Depression and Sleeping Too Little or Too Much

#2 Angry Outbursts

Here’s a fact that may surprise you. Anger has a strong link to mental health and depression. People with depression may use anger to deal with (cover up) their feelings of fear, anxiety, hurt, and sadness.

Not treating depression may feed feelings of anger and vice versa. Feelings of anger can very likely lead to angry outbursts.

#3 Guilty, Guilty, Guilty

When you're depressed feelings of self-pity, worthlessness, and guilt often keep you company with sadness, worry, and various other symptoms.

Not meeting a goal or making a mistake may make you feel like a "loser" or a bad person. But this is the depression speaking.

Talk therapy is great for addressing the causes that make you have unwarranted, guilty feelings about yourself.

#4 Desire To Harm Yourself

Self-harm is just one of the ways a person may choose to deal with the pain that accompanies depression.

Here are a few ways someone may choose to injure themselves.
  • cutting or severely scratching the skin
  • burning or scalding oneself
  • hitting oneself
  • punching things, throwing one’s body against hard objects
  • sticking objects into one’s skin
  • intentionally preventing wounds from healing such as picking scabs off of a cut
  • swallowing poisonous substances
If you purposely harm yourself as a way of dealing with depression, please know that there is hope. You can stop hurting yourself and regain control of your life by adopting healthy ways to deal with your pain. Learn more here → Cutting and Self-Harm: Why Do People Cut Themselves and What to Do.

#5 Eating Your Feelings

Binge eating is another way depression affects mental health. People suffering from binge eating disorder struggle with regularly overeating, even when hunger isn't an issue.

Do you feel out of control when eating or feel disgusted or ashamed afterward?

Do you use food as a way of escaping feelings of sadness, worry, or stress? Or do you use food to comfort yourself?

If this sounds like you, then binge eating disorder may be an issue. But there's good news. This disorder is entirely treatable. The first step though is to change your relationship with food completely. This will be difficult considering you need this “drug” to survive.

But it can be done! Read more here → Eating Disorders: Causes, Types, Symptoms, and Treatment

Changes in appetite, sleep, energy levels, concentration, and thoughts

Depression can have a significant impact on mental health, and changes in appetite, sleep, energy levels, concentration, and thoughts are all common symptoms of the condition. These changes can make it difficult to function in everyday life and can lead to feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and worthlessness.

Changes in appetite: People with depression may experience changes in their appetite, such as eating more or less than usual. They may also find that they no longer enjoy the foods they used to or that they have no appetite at all. These changes in appetite can lead to weight loss or weight gain, which can further impact self-esteem.

Changes in sleep: Depression can also disrupt sleep patterns. People with depression may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. They may also wake up early in the morning and not be able to go back to sleep. These changes in sleep can make it difficult to function during the day and can lead to fatigue and irritability.


Changes in energy levels: Depression can also lead to changes in energy levels. People with depression may feel tired all the time, even after getting a good night's sleep. They may also find it difficult to concentrate or focus on tasks. These changes in energy levels can make it difficult to participate in activities that they used to enjoy and can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.


Changes in concentration: Depression can also affect concentration. People with depression may find it difficult to focus on tasks or to follow through on commitments. They may also have trouble making decisions or solving problems. These changes in concentration can make it difficult to function at work or school and can lead to feelings of frustration and hopelessness.

Changes in memory: Depression can also affect memory. People with depression may have difficulty remembering things that they used to know, and they may also have trouble learning new information. These changes in memory can make it difficult to function at work or school and can lead to feelings of frustration and hopelessness.


Changes in thoughts: Depression can also affect thoughts. People with depression may have negative thoughts about themselves, their lives, and the future. They may also have thoughts of death or suicide. These changes in thoughts can be very distressing and can make it difficult to cope with depression.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of depression, seek professional help. There are effective treatments available, and with proper treatment, you can overcome depression and live a full and meaningful life.

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