Depression can increase the risk of developing other health conditions. For example, it can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease by causing inflammation and changes in heart rate and metabolism. Depression can make you less likely to take care of yourself, increasing these risks. Conversely, having chronic conditions like arthritis or diabetes can lead to depression due to stress and the challenges of managing these illnesses. Medications for these conditions can also contribute to depression. Therefore, it's important to treat both depression and any accompanying health conditions together to improve overall health.