Depression Really Can Affect Your Physical Health
The need for better psychological health is larger than you think. In a recent study that involved researchers analyzing various factors contributing to stroke, it was found that depression cause a huge jump in the risk factors for the potentially fatal condition.
According to the study, not only did depression increase the risk of minor strokes it also increased the risk percentage for a fatal stroke. According to researchers, depression was not necessarily the direct cause of the increased stroke risk but the symptoms that accompanied depression. Since depressed people have a tendency to become less active and eat a less balanced diet or binge on certain foods, this increased the stroke risk factors.
Millions of people all over America suffer from depression alone. In an article by the CDC, it is estimated that one in ten Americans suffer from this mental health problem. As a health problem, depression affects all areas of society not only for the above 40 age group as many people assume, but also kids, young adults and teens. It is the cause of multiple suicides all over the country because people fail to get treatment. And this perhaps can also be attributed to the lack of health insurance coverage that covers the cost of therapies to treat depression.
As a result of this failure to seek treatment, the researchers conducting the study found that out of the 8,478 strokes they analyzed, there was a 45% increase in strokes for those with depression. The analysis of cases also showed that an increase of 55% percent was attributed to fatal stroke cases and 25% risk increase for ischemic stroke. This conclusion was based on their analysis of 28 case studies. The hope is that people suffering from this ailment will now understand the risks it poses.
Study author, An Pan enforces the fact that the depression study is extremely important not just on mental health but also for general health reasons. Along with his group of researchers (also from Harvard University), he enforced the need to see the importance of the study because of the depression and stroke statistics of the U.S population.
In summary, there has to be an improvement in overall mental health in order to lower down the risk behind stroke. This improvement will help curb some of the already high risk factors linked to stroke. This health news summary is brought to you by PMG Agency. We save our clients money and time by shopping Indiana group health insurance for you. Get a free quote on our site today!
