Severe Depression Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms of severe depression typically include fatigue, sleep issues and pain. Depression is different for everyone, but there are many ways to deal with the symptoms and seek out help should you need it.
It's normal for us to feel sad or down at times, but if they persist and disrupt our lives, it could be a sign of depression. People can may also suffer from depression as a result of chronic stress.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common and serious sign of depression. It feels like a persistent and unending fatigue even when you're sleeping well. Fatigue is also a result of certain antidepressant drugs which is why it's essential to discuss your symptoms with your doctor.
There is no precise definition of fatigue, but it can be described as a constant feeling of fatigue that interferes with daily activities. Fatigue may be associated with other symptoms, including trouble falling or sleeping, muscle pain or discomfort, changes in appetite, feelings of weakness or inability to exercise or move. According to some studies those suffering from depression are more tired than those who are not suffering from the condition.
Certain causes of fatigue are obvious, like being stressed, not eating a balanced diet and excessive drinking or drug use. However, other causes of fatigue aren't as apparent and could be due to anemia, thyroid disease or chronic liver, kidney or lung disorders. Fatigue is often caused by diseases, infections and vitamins and mineral supplements. Iron deficiency, for example can trigger fatigue. However, it can be easily treated by eating food high in minerals such as red meat and spinach.
Many people with depression feel that they have no energy and feel too exhausted to do anything. This can cause issues at work, in relationships, and in day-to-day activities. Fatigue can also make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight and take regular exercise.
You can use various self-measurement surveys to determine the degree of fatigue you're experiencing. They include the Fatigue Symptom Inventory and the Fatigue Severity Scale. Iampsychiatry require you to answer a series of questions regarding your emotional and physical functioning in the past month. Your answers are used to create an assessment system that scores you that will show higher scores as a sign of more fatigue.
Sleeping difficulties
If you are having difficulty sleeping, you could be depressed. Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or getting up often during the night, could hinder your ability to perform throughout the day and can cause fatigue, irritability and weight gain.
Other physical symptoms include a feeling or feeling of weight or heaviness, stomach pain or bloating, difficulty in digesting food, a decreased desire for sexual activity or dysfunction and changes in appetite. In an investigation that included 69% of patients who were diagnosed with depression experienced physical symptoms in addition to depressed mood.
Depression can also affect eyesight. The world may appear hazy or blurry. This can be due to a change of how the brain processes visual information. This can cause you to be unable to read, drive or working with numbers.
Exercise can be difficult to sustain when you're tired or have low energy levels and aren't interested in engaging in activities that you enjoy. This can lead you to a lower level of fitness, weight gain and depression.
Many medical conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases, can cause depression. Certain medications, such as antipsychotics and neurotransmitter inhibitors, can also trigger depression.
In some cases depression can be triggered by a life event or hormonal change. Depressive episodes are common in women who have experienced pregnancy, childbirth postpartum depression, menopausal. Women with bipolar disorder can also experience depressive episodes, and manic episodes that are associated with increased activity and a higher sense of elation.
If you're experiencing the physical symptoms of depression, it's best to see your primary care doctor or a mental health professional as soon as you can. They'll be able to assess your symptoms and offer treatments such as psychotherapy or medication. If your symptoms are serious, they may suggest more intensive treatment such as electroconvulsive (ECT) therapy or deep brain stimulation. Speak to your doctor to discuss your options.
Headaches
The symptom of pain is difficult to recognize, particularly if it is not explained. The pain that is caused by depression is usually felt in the back or the head, but can also occur throughout the body. Usually, the pain associated with depression is mild to moderate and doesn't hinder daily activities. Depression and pain are related because they share the exact same neurochemicals and pathways in the brain. Pain is also more likely to be associated with depression that is severe, and it can recur frequently or last longer than you expected.
Headaches, specifically cluster headaches, can be an indication that you're depressed. These are headaches that usually occur for one to two months at a time, usually around the same time each year. The symptoms of cluster headaches are similar to a regular headache, but they are more severe and last longer. Pain in the stomach or chest could indicate that you're depressed, along with more sweating, fatigue and trouble sleeping.
People with depression may feel less in control of their emotions and actions and this can lead to self-destructive behaviors like drinking excessively or eating too much alcohol. They might also have changes in their appetite, such as cravings for food that aren't typical for them. People with depression may experience digestive issues, like constipation or diarrhea.
Muscle and back pain is another symptom of depression. It's often related to poor posture or injuries. The pain is more prevalent among women. It can be aggravated by stress and certain food items. Depression can cause muscle and back pain, because it affects nerve pathways that control the pain and mood receptors.
Other signs of depression are changes in the voice, a slowing of movement, and unintentional actions like fidgeting. Depression can also affect one's ability to focus, remember things, and make decisions. No matter if your symptoms are emotional or physical, you should make an appointment with your physician in case you've been feeling these symptoms for a while. A health professional can help connect you to treatment options such as psychotherapy and medication.
Muscle Aches
Muscle aches can be painful and a common symptom of depression. It can be difficult to identify depression when the first signs are not obvious aches and pains. The underlying connection between pain and depression is linked to neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine. The inability to regulate these transmitters can cause pain and depression. The pain-depression link is bidirectional: depression can increase the severity of pain, and chronic pain can make depression worse.
Many of the pains and discomforts that depression can be addressed at home. Exercise, a proper diet and sufficient sleep can help you manage pain and improve mood. If you have chronic pain, you may be prescribed medicine by your healthcare provider or directed to an area pain clinic.
Rhabdomyolysis can trigger generalized muscle pains. This condition causes the destruction of muscle tissue as well as the release of harmful substances in the bloodstream. This condition can be caused through over-training and certain medications or illicit drugs. Other types of muscle aches include viral, fungal or parasitic infections, which can be treated with antifungal, antiviral or antiparasitic drugs.
If you're experiencing generalized muscle pain, it is crucial to consult your physician or therapist. If the aches and pains are caused by an underlying disease, your healthcare provider will suggest treatment, which could include exercises, stretching and hydration. Aspirin and Ibuprofen are both over-the-counter pain relievers that can help ease discomfort. If you suspect that your discomforts and aches are caused by depression, talk to your doctor or therapist to pinpoint and address the root causes.