Depression is associated with disrupted immune function.

 People with depression are more likely to get sick and have a more difficult time recovering from illness.

Depression is linked to heart disease.

 People with depression are more likely to develop heart disease and have a heart attack.

Stress activates the immune system, triggering the production of proinflammatory cytokines. These cytokines can lead to changes in the brain that manifest as symptoms of depression (Hooley et al 2019).

Depression may interact with stress to further enhance inflammatory responses. This can increase the risk of heart attack.

People with heart disease are three times more likely to be depressed than healthy people. Depression is also a risk factor for the development of heart disease (Hooley et al, 2019).

• People who are depressed have shorter telomeres than people who are not depressed.
  
  
  

Telomeres are protective caps on the ends of chromosomes. Shorter telomeres are associated with an increased risk of disease and death.

These findings suggest that depression is a stressful condition that can have a negative impact on physical health. Depression can disrupt immune function, increase the risk of heart disease, and shorten telomeres. If you are struggling with depression, it is important to seek professional help. There are effective treatments available that can help you improve your mental and physical health.

References

 Hooley, J. M., Nock, M. K., & Butcher, J. N. (2019). Abnormal Psychology (18th ed.). Pearson Education (US). https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9780135191033