Can Depression Kill You?

Dear Suze Q. I’m in my 30s, single, and sad most of the time. I don’t eat much and I’m tired. I have a family history of suicide and I’m afraid of my future. 

Dear Sad, Your family history doesn’t need to be your destiny. Everyone gets sad, but depression can kill you, indirectly, slowly or in one impulsive act. Clinical symptoms of depression include significant change in appetite/eating, and sleep, hopelessness, and helplessness. “Danger to self” can trigger a brief involuntary psychiatric hospitalization that can stabilize you but is not a long-term solution. Severe, recurrent, and/or chronic depression robs people of interests and will to live. If sadness worsens, seek immediate, aggressive, and continually treatment to make life worth living. -SQ