Could depression be as deadly as smoking cigarettes? Researchers from Norway and England think so. Their research, recently published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, found that depression holds a similar risk for death as smoking. (But don’t let that depress you!)
Researchers utilized a survey of more than 60,000 people and a comprehensive mortality database. However, for depressed people with some anxiety, there may be a silver lining.
The research found that depressed people with anxiety were less likely to die than those with depression alone. Dr. Robert Stewart, who led the team at the Institute of Psychiatry in Norway, said that one of the big messages from the research is that a little anxiety may actually be good for you. Researchers explain that help-seeking behavior associated with anxiety may be the key.
Dr. Stewart explained,”It would certainly not surprise me at all to find that doctors are less likely to investigate physical symptoms in people with depression because they think that depression is the explanation, but may be more likely to investigate if someone is anxious because they think it will reassure them.”
Help with Managing Depression
If you suspect you’re depressed, talk with your doctor about how you’re feeling. You can even invite a friend or family member to go with you. Symptoms of depression include frequent and prolonged feelings of sadness, loss of interest in everyday activities, lack of energy, sleeping too much or too little, difficulty with concentrating and making decisions, thoughts of suicide, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
Many depressed people benefit from lifestyle changes like increased exercise. Therapy involving talking with a professional, often for at least an hour each week, is helpful as well. Some depressed individuals may need medication or additional therapy.
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