Can You Die From Depression?

Verywell / Alison Czinkota

Information presented in this article may be triggering to some people.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.

If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

In 2016, there were nearly 45,000 deaths attributed to suicide in the United States.

According to some estimates, depression is present in about half of all suicides.

Self-Medicating

Depression can also lead some individuals to turn to drugs and or alcohol toself-medicateemotional problems.

An appropriate diagnosis can help ensure that you get the right treatment to address each condition.

Short-term treatments involve quitting any substances you might be using.

Your doctor can make recommendations about the detox and withdrawal process.

Drug withdrawal can be life-threatening in some cases and requires professional intervention and medical monitoring.

Further research is still needed to explore the connection between depression and other medical conditions.

Physiological changes such as increased inflammation and alterations in stress hormones may also play a role.

If you have a medical condition and are experiencing symptoms of depression,talk to your doctor.

Treatment options often involve the use of psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of both.

If you’re depressed, it’s harder to make good lifestyle choices.

Depression is a mental disorder, but it also has a major impact on physical health and overall well-being.

Depression is highly treatable with medication such asantidepressants,psychotherapy, or a combination of the two.

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