Is this a silent catalyst for chronic illnesses?

The mental and physical symptoms that manifest from depression are well known by approximately 18% to 20% of Illinois and Wisconsin residents diagnosed with the mental health condition. 

However, besides low energy, trouble sleeping and slower movements, a new study also found depression accelerates the development of chronic illnesses by 30%.  

The study found participants with depression were more likely to develop three specific chronic conditions: osteoarthritis, hypertension and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).  

“Prioritizing your mental health is an example of a modifiable lifestyle change that can help reduce your risk of developing chronic conditions,” explains Dr. Daniel Allison, a family medicine physician at Aurora Health Care in Waterford, Wisconsin. “This is similar to your health care provider recommending physical activity and a balanced diet as a preventive step.”   

Other factors that increase chronic conditions: 

Unmanaged blood glucose 

Diabetes is a chronic condition that can cause high or low blood glucose levels. Left unmanaged, abnormal blood glucose levels can damage your blood vessels and increase your risk of developing additional chronic health issues.   

Lack of sleep 

An American College of Cardiology study found getting less than the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night increases your risk of developing high blood pressure by 7%. Some chronic conditions can also be the source of poor quality sleep, such as obesity causing sleep apnea.  

High blood pressure and/or cholesterol 

High blood pressure was a contributing cause of over 685,000 deaths in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Often, high cholesterol causes high blood pressure since plaque buildup makes the heart work harder to circulate blood. Both can lead to heart disease and stroke.  

Obesity 

Being an unhealthy weight puts more pressure on your joints, increasing your risk of osteoarthritis. This is why weight loss is recommended before joint replacement surgery to improve surgery outcomes. 

Obese individuals are also less likely to eat a balanced diet, which may result in high blood pressure and cholesterol.  

Alcohol and/or tobacco use 

Excessive alcohol consumption lowers your immune system and increases your risk for many chronic conditions, such as liver disease, heart disease and stroke. Alcohol has also been linked to the development of cancer. Tobacco use has similar health implications. 

What can’t you control? 

“Genetics also play a role in the likelihood of developing a chronic condition,” explains Dr. Allison, who sees patients of all ages at the Aurora Family Medicine office. “Since you can’t change genetics, it’s important to modify what you can change. Your health care provider can assess your disease risk and recommend appropriate preventive screenings.” 

If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of emotional distress, call or text the suicide & crisis lifeline at 988.     

Want to learn more about your risk for heart disease? Take a free online quiz.