Depression that occurs with other health conditions
Depression often occurs when you have other serious health conditions, such as asthma or diabetes.
When depression occurs with another illness, it can delay your recovery or make your condition worse. Research shows that getting treatment for depression can help you be more healthy during a chronic illness. Jump down this page to learn about:
Asthma and depression
Emotional 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:
- Emotional stress may cause slight changes in your body that lead to asthma attacks.
- Depression weakens the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off respiratory infections that lead to asthma attacks.
- People with depression may be less likely to monitor their breathing and take their medication.
- Learn more about Priority Health's HealthyEncountersSM Asthma program.
Signs & symptoms
If you have asthma, you need to be aware that you might become depressed and look for 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 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. 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 do
If you think you may be depressed, talk to your doctor or other health care professional. Priority Health members can check with our Behavioral Health staff for information on getting mental health assistance.
Diabetes and depression
People with diabetes may become depressed because of the stress of dealing with their condition. But diabetes can also have effects on the brain that result in depression.
Signs & symptoms
When people have both depression and diabetes, they 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 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 those who have diabetes and depression, treatment can improve overall health and their ability to manage their diabetes.
What you can do
If you think you may be depressed, talk to your doctor or other health care professional. Priority Health members can check with our Behavioral Health staff for information on getting mental health assistance.
Obesity and depression
People 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:
- Negative attitudes in society toward obese people and negative body image are associated with low self-esteem and depression
- Being overweight puts you at risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, joint pain and limited movement. Chronic illness is linked to depression.
- Find out about Priority Health's HealthyEncountersSM Weight Management program.
Signs & symptoms
When 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 do
If you think you may be depressed, talk to your doctor or other health care professional. Priority Health members can check with our Behavioral Health staff for information on getting mental health assistance.
