Depression Aids Chronic Diseases and Earlier Death, Says Study

By Adebowale Bello. B.Tech Microbiology, Freelance Health Writer. Medically reviewed by the DLHA Team

Depressed looking elderly African woman crying.

Depression is often viewed by many as “just a mental health issue” but with one in 23 people worldwide living with depression, it's more common than you think. 

In many African communities, depression is often misunderstood or dismissed. Some see it as a temporary phase, while others believe it stems from a lack of faith, personal weakness or spiritual attack.

However, science continues to show that depression is a serious medical condition that can cause various health problems and even death, if ignored. 

The longer depression goes untreated, the more damage it does to the body.

So why does depression hasten the development of chronic diseases? More importantly, how can the association be broken? 

This blog discusses the findings of a recent study which sheds light on the association between depression and chronic diseases and explains why an integrated approach to healthcare is essential.

About the Study

The research is part of the UK Biobank study that involved 170,000 people aged 40 to71. It aimed to assess the association between depression and the subsequent rate of development of chronic diseases in middle and older age. 

At the start of the study, 18% of participants had previously been diagnosed with depression. Researchers tracked participants' health over an average of seven years, using medical records from general practitioners and hospitals to identify new diagnosis of 69 chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.

What the Study Found

The study found that the following:

• Individuals with a history of depression developed long-term physical illnesses at a faster rate than those without depression.

• Specifically, those diagnosed with depression had, on average, three long-term physical conditions at the start of the study, compared to two in those without depression.

• Over the next seven years, participants with depression continued to develop new physical illnesses 25% faster than those without depression.

Some of the long-term physical health conditions considered in the study included hypertension, osteoarthritis, heart disease and other chronic illnesses that can significantly impact the quality of life.

The research suggests that depression is not just linked to mental distress but also contributes to the wear and tear on the body, making people more vulnerable over time, to various health problems as well as early death.

Why Does Depression Lead to More Physical Illnesses?

Several factors could explain why depression speeds up the development of physical conditions:

1. Biological Changes: Depression is linked to chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances and changes in the immune system, all of which can make the body more of an easy target of diseases.

2. Lifestyle Factors: People with depression often struggle with maintaining healthy habits. They may exercise less, eat poorly, smoke and use alcohol more, or have difficulty managing chronic illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure.

3. Healthcare Gaps: Many healthcare systems focus on treating either mental or physical health separately, rather than looking at the patient as a whole. This means that people with depression may not receive the kind of care they need to prevent or manage physical illnesses effectively.

What Does This Mean for African Adults

For many African adults, aging is already associated with increasing health challenges. The burden of chronic illnesses like hypertension, diabetes and arthritis is high and this study suggests that mental health plays a crucial role in determining how fast these conditions develop.

Depression is often under-diagnosed in Africa, partly due to stigma and limited access to mental health services. Many people do not recognise the symptoms of depression, dismissing persistent sadness, fatigue or loss of interest in activities of daily living, as normal stress or spiritual issues. However, ignoring depression can have long-term health consequences, as this research demonstrates.

A Call for Broad-based Healthcare

The findings of this study make it clear that healthcare providers need to adopt a more broad-based (holistic) approach to patient care. Instead of treating depression and physical illnesses separately, healthcare professionals should focus on:

• Early Screening and Treatment: Identifying depression early and providing effective treatment which can help slow down the progression of physical illnesses. Mental health check-ups should be a routine part of healthcare for middle-aged and older adults.

• Encouraging Healthy Lifestyles: Mental health care should include guidance on diet, exercise and stress management, as these lifestyle factors can influence both mental and physical health.

• Strengthening Community Support: Many Africans rely on family and community networks for emotional and financial support. Encouraging discussions about mental health in churches, workplaces and social gatherings can help reduce stigma and encourage those struggling with depression to seek help.

• Policy Changes: Governments and health organisations should invest in policies that blend mental health into primary healthcare. This means training general practitioners to recognise and treat depression alongside other chronic conditions.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Mental and Physical Health

If you are middle-aged or older, or you have a loved one in this age group, taking proactive steps to manage mental health can have long-term benefits:

• Talk to a Professional: If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent sadness, lack of energy or loss of interest in daily activities, seek help from a doctor or mental health specialist.

• Stay Physically Active: Regular exercise has been shown to improve both mental and physical health, reducing the risk of chronic illnesses.

• Eat a Balanced Diet: Foods rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins can support brain and body health.

• Connect with Others: Social support is crucial for mental well-being. Spend time with family, join support groups or engage in community activities.

• Manage Stress: Practising relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing or prayer can help reduce stress and improve overall health.

Wrap Up

This study provides strong evidence that depression is not just a mental health issue; it is a significant risk factor for developing multiple chronic illnesses in middle and older age. For Africans, where access to healthcare is often limited and stigma around mental health remains high, these findings highlight the urgent need to rethink how we approach healthcare.  

By combining mental and physical health services, promoting awareness and encouraging healthier lifestyles, we can help reduce the burden of chronic diseases and improve quality of life for older adults across the continent.

Source: Fleetwood KJ, Guthrie B, Jackson CA, Kelly PAT, Mercer SW, Morales DR, et al. (2025) Depression and physical multimorbidity: A cohort study of physical health condition accrual in UK Biobank. PLoS Med 22(2): e1004532. Available from here

Related:

• What is depression?
• Symptoms of major depression
• Who is at risk for major depression?

Published: March 4, 2025

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