What are co-occurring conditions?If you have co-occurring conditions, you have two or more illnesses at the same time. Depression is one very treatable mental health condition that often co-occurs with other chronic illnesses.When depression co-occurs with another illness, it can delay recovery or make your condition worse. Research shows that treating co-occurring depression can help you be more healthy during a chronic illness. You can read more about health conditions that co-occur with depression below. Asthma and depressionEmotional stress is a well-known asthma trigger. It's estimated that 20% to 50% of people with asthma also suffer depression. Dealing with asthma's day-to-day challenges may be related to development of depression. There are also ways that depression may fuel asthma:
Signs & symptomsIf you have asthma, you need to be aware of the possibility of co-occurring depression and understand its symptoms.Who's at risk?Women are twice as likely to suffer depression as men are, and the same holds true for those with asthma.Professional help is availableDepression is a very treatable mental health condition. As many as 80% of people who get treatment find relief through medications, therapy or a combination of both. Asthma management programs that focus on physical and emotional health can be very effective in controlling asthma and improving your health overall.What you can doIf you think you may be depressed, talk to your doctor or other health care professional. Priority Health members can check here for information on getting mental health assistance.Back to the top Diabetes and depressionPeople with diabetes may develop depression because of the stress of dealing with their condition. But depression also might develop because of effects diabetes has on the brain.
Signs & symptomsWhere depression co-exists with diabetes, people function less well mentally and physically and are not as likely to follow their diet or take medication properly. If you have diabetes, you need to be aware of the possibility of co-occurring depression and understand its symptoms.Who's at risk?People with diabetes may be twice as likely to develop depression as people without it. As complications from diabetes get worse, the chance of becoming depressed also increases. People with depression are at greater risk of developing Type 2 (adult) diabetes.Professional help is availableDepression is a very treatable mental health condition. As many as 80% of people who get treatment find relief through medications, therapy or a combination of both. For those who have diabetes and depression, treatment can improve overall health and their ability to manage their diabetes.What you can doIf you think you may be depressed, talk to your doctor or other health care professional. Priority Health members can check here for information on getting mental health assistance.Back to the top Obesity and depressionPeople who are very overweight (obese) are as much as 25% more likely to suffer depression or an anxiety disorder as people who aren't. Some studies show that for white, well-educated people, that number may be as high as 44%. Some links between obesity and depression include:
Signs & symptomsWhen depression co-occurs in people who are very overweight, it can cause feelings of shame, rejection or failure that can keep them from enjoying a normal life. If you have diabetes, you need to be aware of the possibility of co-occurring depression and understand its symptoms.Who's at risk?Women are more likely to suffer from depression than men are, and the same holds true for those who are obese. Other factors for depression co-occurring with obesity include personal history of depression and chronic illness.Professional help is available
Depression is a very treatable mental health condition. As many as 80% of people who get treatment find relief through medications, therapy or a combination of both. For obese people with depression, an effective approach to treatment will include your doctor, a mental health professional and a dietitian.
What you can doIf you think you may be depressed, talk to your doctor or other health care professional. Priority Health members can check here for information on getting mental health assistance.Back to the top
Last modified
05/26/09
|
Mental Health
