Depression Affects Delicate Balance In Cellular Mechanisms And Leads To Multiple Health Problems

Research has also shown the presence of an enzyme called telomerase that helps in maintaining the length of telomeres after each cell division. It helps in elongation of telomeres by adding nucleotides to the chromosomal ends. It is possible that a healthy lifestyle may boost the activity of this enzyme. The findings suggest that lifestyle interventions certainly have significant benefits in retarding the aging process. Though aging cannot be reversed as of now, these interventions can surely have a positive impact on people with depression.

Another study conducted in California demonstrated that depression is associated with abnormally high rate of aging-associated illnesses and early death. Researchers called it the accelerated aging in depression. In the course of this study, telomeres in white blood cells were monitored. It was found that telomeres shorten with aging, as well as due to oxidation damage and inflammation. These researchers also stated that the telomere shortening progresses is proportional to the duration of depression during lifetime.

Depression, stress and unhealthy lifestyle

Very often people with major depression avoid physical exercise and resort to unhealthy lifestyle in the form of heavy alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking. 

Depression is always linked to stress. Stress has both physical and emotional impact and the stress response of the body occurs through brain. In response to stress, brain activates the autonomic nervous system. The aim of stress response is to mobilize energy for “fight or flight” response. This results in changes in many organs and systems.

The effect of chronic stress is obvious and presents itself with chronic disorders. Research has shown that chronic stress increases apoptosis, or programmed cell death. During this process, the activation of enzyme system called “caspases” takes place. This leads to protein degeneration and cell death. Autophagy or self-destruction of cell components is also a prominent feature of the process. The mitochondria and cytoplasmic proteins in the cells undergo auto-digestion.

Depression, antidepressants and heart problems

People affected by depression tend to suffer from multiple health problems. Some of them seem to be associated with decreased control of parasympathetic vagus nerve. This results in higher risk of heart disease. The antidepressant drugs taken by many people also add to the problem. The Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety conducted in 2008 concluded that many of the cardiovascular effects observed in these patients may be the caused by antidepressant drugs.

Read More: Treating Depression - What Are Your Options?

Some types of antidepressants have been associated with certain cardiovascular effects, but the risk varies depending on the specific medication, individual factors, and the dose used. Not all antidepressants carry the same risk, and many people can take them safely without experiencing heart-related issues.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) are an older class of antidepressants that have been associated with several cardiovascular side effects. They can cause changes in heart rhythm (arrhythmias), especially in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions. TCAs can also lead to orthostatic hypotension, a drop in blood pressure when standing up, which can be concerning for people with heart problems.

On the other hand, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are a newer class of antidepressants and are generally considered safer concerning cardiovascular effects compared to TCAs. However, some studies have suggested a potential association between long-term SSRI use and a slightly increased risk of specific heart conditions, such as arrhythmias. The risk is generally small and might be more relevant for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.

Although the effect of depression and other health damaging factors on the length of telomeres is not reversible, it can be at least partially prevented by physical exercises. It was noted by a number of researchers that physically active people do sustain longer telomeres in their cells.

All these new scientific findings emphasize once more the damaging effect of depression. It’s not just our mood and behavior that gets affected. The changes also happen deep in our cells and can significantly damage the health in the long term.