Don't Worry, Be Happy: Depression Can Make You Look Old Faster

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Now, here's why you should avoid getting depressed, especially if you do not want to look old. BBC UK reports that several laboratory tests proved that cells look way older in people who are going through depression or have been feeling down in the past. The findings, which became apparent in about 2,000 individuals, were published in Molecular Psychiatry.

Experts who studied the behavior of depressed individuals noted the fact that major depression can push most people to engage in unhealthy activities, like binge drinking of alcohol, smoking, and many more. However, at the end of it all, the scientists said that the ultimate part of the body that suffers from depression are the cells.

Josine Verhoeven, the author of the study, said that depressed people are more prone to experience fast wear and tear of their bodies and even inflammation due to severe stress. The author told Live Science that depression can cause abnormal regulation of the body's immune system to fight against stress. This, then, can lead to inflammation which can be eventually related to the telomere shortening.

"As cells divide, the telomeres get shorter and shorter. Measuring their length is a way of assessing cellular ageing," BBC wrote.

Forbes pointed out that the levels of depression addressed in the study are the ones considered severe and extreme, excluding the milder types.

What are Telomeres?

LA Times discussed that telomeres are strands of DNA that protectively caps the edges of chromosomes found in each cell. So when the cell gets divided, each of the telomeres turns shorter too. When the telomeres become tiny, the cell shuts down.

Other scientists have also connected shorter telomeres to other health troubles that are related to age, like obesity, cancer and even memory failure. Now, it is also highly linked to the severe cases of depression.

Most Practical Tips to Fight Depression

It is very important for anyone suffering from depression to have someone to talk to. Support systems offered by families and friends are very important, as having people around work as encouragement to any person suffering from severe depression. It can also help to entertain one's self with activities that will divert the attention of the patient from the source of his or her depression.