What is one potential consequence of untreated depression?

Untreated depression can lead to a worsening of overall health due to its multifaceted impact on both mental and physical well-being. Depression often undermines an individual’s ability to engage in self-care activities, such as maintaining a balanced diet, exercising, and adhering to medical treatments for other health conditions. This neglect can contribute to the deterioration of existing physical health issues or the emergence of new ones, such as increased susceptibility to chronic diseases. Furthermore, depression can lead to a range of psychological effects, including heightened stress, anxiety, and a decrease in the immune system's efficiency, all of which can impede overall health. Thus, recognizing and treating depression is essential to preventing these potential adverse health outcomes.