15 Reasons Not To Ignore Severe Depression Physical Symptoms

Severe Depression Physical Symptoms

Severe depression can cause physical symptoms such as fatigue, pain and difficulty sleeping. Different people experience depression differently, but there are ways to manage these symptoms and seek help should you require it.

It's normal for all of us to feel depressed or down at times However, if these feelings are persistent and disrupt your daily routine they could be a sign of depression. Many people are also depressed as a result of long-term stress.

Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most frequent and serious symptoms of depression. Even if you're getting enough rest, it can feel like constant and perpetual fatigue. It can also be an effect of certain antidepressant medications which is why you should discuss your symptoms with a doctor.

There's no precise definition of fatigue, but it's typically described as a feeling of tiredness that lasts for a prolonged period of time and interferes with your everyday life. Fatigue can be accompanied by a number of other symptoms like difficulty falling or staying asleep. Other symptoms include muscle pain, changes to appetite and a feeling of weakness. According to some studies people suffering from depression are more tired than people who are not suffering from the condition.

Some causes of fatigue are obvious, such as being overworked and not eating a balanced diet, or excessive alcohol or drug use. Other causes of fatigue, like anemia, thyroid diseases and chronic liver, kidney or lung disease are not as obvious. Fatigue is often caused by diseases, infections and vitamins and mineral supplements. For instance, iron deficiency can trigger fatigue. However, it can be easily treated by eating food rich in the mineral such as red meat and spinach.

Many people with depression are exhausted and feel as if they lack the energy to do anything. This can lead to problems at work, with relationships, and in everyday activities. In addition, fatigue can make it harder to keep a healthy weight or get regular exercise.

There are numerous self-measurement tests that will help you determine how much fatigue you're feeling. The Fatigue Severity Scale and the Fatigue Severity Inventory are two among the most popular. Both require you to answer a series of questions regarding your physical and emotional functioning during the last month. Your answers are used to build an assessment system that scores you, with higher scores indicating more fatigue.

Sleeping difficulties

If you're experiencing trouble sleeping, it may be a sign that you're depressed. If you're having difficulty falling asleep or getting to sleep, or waking often during the night, it can affect your ability to function through the day. It could cause fatigue, irritability, and weight gain.

Other physical signs of depression can include feeling of heaviness or weightiness, stomach pain, bloating or abdominal distention as well as difficulty digesting food, a decrease in sexual desire or dysfunction and appetite changes. In a recent study 69% of patients who were treated for depression also had physical symptoms.

Depression can also affect your eyesight, making the world seem blurry and unclear. This could be due to a change of how the brain processes visual information. This can cause problems in reading, driving, or working with numbers.

A decrease in energy, fatigue and a lack of interest in enjoyable activities can make it difficult to maintain an exercise routine. This can lead to a poorer fitness level as well as depression, weight gain and fatigue.

Many medical conditions, like cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative diseases, can cause depression. Certain medications can also trigger depression, such as antipsychotics and some neurotransmitter inhibitors.

In some instances depression may be caused by a life event or hormonal change. Menopausal changes, pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum depression can all be associated with depressive episodes in a few women. Women with bipolar disorders can also suffer from depressive symptoms as well as manic episodes with more activity and a greater sense of elation.

If you are experiencing physical symptoms of depression, it's essential to visit your primary care physician or mental health professional as soon as possible. They can assess your symptoms and recommend options for treatment, such as psychotherapy or medications. If your symptoms are severe, they may suggest a more intensive treatment program, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or deep brain stimulation (DBS). Talk to your doctor to discuss your options.

Headaches

Pain can be a difficult symptom to detect particularly when the pain is not explained. The pain that is triggered by depression usually occurs in the back or the head, but can also occur throughout the body. Depression-related pain is typically moderate to mild and is not a problem for daily life. The two are connected because they share the same neurological pathways and chemicals in the brain. Pain is also more likely to accompany severe depression, and it can recur frequently or last for longer than anticipated.

Headaches can be an indication of depression, particularly if they are cluster headaches. These are headaches that usually occur for one to two months at a time, usually around the same time each year. Cluster headaches have similar symptoms like regular headaches, however they are more intense and last longer. The pain in the chest or stomach can indicate that you're depressed and also increased sweating, fatigue and difficulty sleeping.

Depression can make people feel that they are not in complete control over their feelings and actions. This can lead to self-destructive behavior such as excessive drinking or overeating. They may also experience changes in their appetite, such as cravings for food that aren't typical for them. Certain people suffering from depression suffer from digestive issues, such as diarrhea or indigestion.

Back and muscle pain is another symptom of depression. It is often linked to injuries or poor posture. This pain is more common in women. It can be made worse by stress and certain food items. Depression is thought to cause back and muscle pain since it interferes with the nerve pathways that process both pain and mood receptors.

Other indicators of depression include changes in the voice, a slower movement, and unintentional movements such as fidgeting. Depression can also affect one's ability to concentrate, remember things and make decisions. If you've experienced symptoms for a long period of time it is crucial to schedule an appointment with your doctor. A medical professional can assist you in determining treatments such as psychotherapy or medications.

Muscle Aches

Muscle aches are a common sign of depression. They can be painful. The aches and pains of the vagabond could be the first signs of depression that show up and are difficult to identify.  symptoms of mania and depression  underlying connection between pain and depression is linked to neurotransmitters, such as serotonin or norepinephrine. Dysregulation of these transmitters can result in depression and pain. The connection between depression and pain is bidirectional: depression can make pain more severe and chronic pain can make depression worse.

In many instances the pains and aches caused by depression can be alleviated with home remedies. A healthy diet, exercise and adequate sleep can help manage pain and improve mood. If you suffer from chronic pain, you may be prescribed medication by your doctor or directed to an acupuncture clinic.

Generalized muscle aches could be a sign of rhabdomyolysis, a condition that causes the breaking down of muscle tissues and the release of harmful substances into the bloodstream. This condition can be triggered through over-training or certain medications, or by illicit drugs. Other types of muscle pain are parasites, fungi, or viral infections. These are treated by antiviral, antibiotics or antiparasitic medications.

If you're experiencing generalized muscle pains it is important to visit your doctor or therapist for a complete evaluation. If the pains and aches are related to an underlying disease, your healthcare provider will recommend treatment, including stretching exercises, hydration and stretching. Ibuprofen and aspirin are non-prescription pain relievers that aid in relieving discomfort. If you feel that your pains and aches are due to depression, talk to your doctor or therapist about identifying and addressing underlying factors that can cause the symptoms.