Knowing the Physical signs of Depression : Your Questions Answered

Major Depression
Knowing the Physical signs of Depression : Your Questions Answered
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Introduction to the Physical Signs of Depression

While many people are familiar with the emotional aspects of depression, they may not be aware that depression can affect the body as well as the mind. For many people suffering with depression, their physical symptoms are just as serious as the emotional. In reality, many people with depression are also suffering with chronic pain as a secondary condition to the already devastating effects of the emotional symptoms. Are you suffering from physical signs of depression? If you have unexplained aches and pains, stomach problems, or other ailments are not connected to another ailment, you may very well be experiencing physical pain symptomatic of depression.

Physical Signs of Depression

Recognizing the physical signs of depression is very important as some people tend to be more in tune with their physical state of wellbeing than with their emotional state. Below is a list of physical signs of depression. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step in seeking help for this condition.

Physical Signs of Depression:

  • Headaches - This is one of the most common physical signs of depression. If you are already prone to migraines, they may get worse if you are suffering from depression.

  • Back and neck pain - If you already have pain, it will become more painful if you are plagued by depression. According to a study done by the Department of Public Health Sciences, people with depression had a four fold chance of having troublesome low back and neck pain.

  • Chest pain - While chest pain should be checked out by an expert right away, depression is known to contribute to it.

  • Digestive problems - You may begin to feel queasy or nauseous. Other reported signs include constipation and diahrrea.

  • Exhaustion and fatigue - This is another very common physical sign in people who are depressed. It will seem that no matter how much rest you get, and how much you sleep, you still feel worn out, run down, and tired. Getting out of bed in the morning will seem like a chore.

  • Sleep disturbances - You will either not be able to get to sleep, wake up early, or sleep to much.

  • Change in appetite or weight - Depending on your symptoms, you will either gain or loose weight. Some people experience a loss of appetite, while others develop cravings for sweets and carbohydrates.

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these signs, either independently, or with other known signs of depression, you should seek the advice of a trained psychiatric professional. This is the first step in working your way out of a depressed state, as the psychological symptoms of depression will often go away once the disease itself is under control.

References

  1. Depression and Physical Pain - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14715399
  2. Depression - https://www.hopetocope.com/Item.aspx?id=655
  3. Physical Symptoms Of Depresssion - https://www.webmd.com/depression/recognizing-depression-symptoms/physical-symptoms

Photo Credit

  1. Depression - .Wikimedia