Title: Can Depression Really Kill You?
Headings: Can You Die From Depression?
Can You Die From Depression?
Increased Risk of Suicide
What to Do
Self-Medicating
What to Do
Illnesses Linked to Depression
What to Do
Complications of Depression
Diabetes
Nutritional Deficiencies
Stress-Related Effects
Self-Help Strategies
A Word From Verywell

Content: 2
The other half, about 54%, of people who died by suicide did not have a known mental health condition, according to the CDC. Suicide Warning Signs and Risk Factors
What to Do
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, talk to your doctor or mental health professional. They can recommend treatment options, such as antidepressants and talk therapy, both of which can relieve symptoms and help you feel better. How to Help Someone Who Is Feeling Suicidal
Self-Medicating
Depression can also lead some individuals to turn to drugs and or alcohol to self-medicate emotional problems. This can occur more often when people are unable to deal or cope with painful feelings of sadness, isolation, anger, hopelessness, and stress. When a person has depression and they develop an unhealthy dependency on these substances, it is known as a dual diagnosis , since there is an issue of depression and an issue of a substance use disorder. Dual diagnosis complicates the treatment of depression, since both conditions must be dealt with as separate, yet interconnected, issues. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that one in four deaths in America can be blamed on alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drug use. 3 In addition, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that substance misuse is one of the biggest risk factors for suicide. 4
What to Do
If you have symptoms of depression and substance misuse, it is important to talk to your doctor about your feelings and behaviors.