15 Reasons Why You Shouldn t Overlook Severe Depression Physical Symptoms

Severe Depression Physical symptoms of depression in women

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

It's normal for us to feel down or sad sometimes however if they last and interfere with our daily lives, this could be an indication of depression. People who suffer from early depression symptoms are often due to chronic stress.

Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most frequent and serious symptoms of depression. Even if you're getting enough sleep, it can feel like a constant, unrelenting fatigue. Fatigue can also be a result of certain antidepressant drugs which is why it's essential to discuss your symptoms with your physician.

There is no exact definition for fatigue, but it can be described as a persistent feeling of tiredness which interferes with daily activities. The symptoms of fatigue can include a number of other symptoms, including difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Other signs include muscle pain, changes in appetite and a feeling of weakness. According to some studies, people suffering from depression are more exhausted than those who do not suffer from the condition.

Some causes of fatigue, including excessive work, eating a balanced diet, and excessive drinking or drug use are well-known. However other causes of fatigue are less clear and may include thyroid disease, anemia or chronic liver, kidney or lung diseases. Fatigue is usually caused by diseases, infections and minerals and vitamins. For example, iron deficiency can cause fatigue, but it's managed by eating more foods that contain the mineral like red meat, spinach and fish.

Many people who suffer from depression feel that they lack energy or motivation and are exhausted to do anything. This can lead to problems at work, in relationships, and daily activities. Fatigue can make it difficult to keep a healthy weight or get regular exercise.

There are a variety of self-measurement questionnaires that can aid in determining the degree of fatigue you're feeling. They include the Fatigue Symptom Inventory as well as the Fatigue Severity Scale. Both require you to answer a set of questions regarding your physical and emotional functioning over the past month. Your answers are then used to create an assessment score which is based on your score, with higher scores indicating greater levels of fatigue.

Sleeping problems

If you are having trouble sleeping, you may be depressed. Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or waking up often in the night could hinder your ability to function throughout the day and can cause stress, fatigue, and weight growth.

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

Depression can also affect the eyesight. The world may appear hazy or blurry. In some instances it is due to a change in how the brain processes visual information. This can cause you to be unable to read, drive or working with numbers.

An inability to focus and fatigue as well as an inability to engage in enjoyable activities can make it difficult to keep up an exercise routine. This can lead to poorer fitness and weight gain, and also a deterioration of depression.

Numerous medical conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders, may cause depression. Certain medications, such as antipsychotics and neurotransmitter inhibitors, can also cause depression.

Depression can be caused by an event that has a dramatic impact on your life or a hormonal change. Depressive episodes are common symptoms of depression in women who have experienced pregnancy, childbirth postpartum depression, menopause. Bipolar disordered women may also suffer from depressive symptoms as well as manic episodes that are characterized by increased activity and an increased sense of elation.

If you are experiencing these physical symptoms of depression, it's crucial to consult your primary care physician or a mental healthcare professional as soon possible. They can assess your symptoms and offer options for treatment, like psychotherapy or medication. If your symptoms are severe they may suggest an additional intensive course of treatment such as electroconvulsive (ECT) therapy or deep brain stimulation. Talk to your doctor about your options and ways to manage these symptoms so you can stay on the path to recovery.

Headaches

Pain can be a difficult symptom to identify in particular when the pain is not explained. Depression-related pain can be felt anywhere in the body, including the back and head. Typically, pain from depression is moderate to mild and doesn't hinder daily activities. Depression and pain are related because they share the same neurological pathways and chemicals within the brain. Pain is also more likely to accompany severe depression, and it can recur frequently or last longer than expected.

Headaches, particularly cluster headaches, may be a sign that you are depressed. Cluster headaches are headaches that occur for one to two month periods, typically at the same time every year. Cluster headaches share similar symptoms like regular headaches, however they are more intense and last longer. Pain in the chest or stomach can be an indication of depression, as well as increased sweating and fatigue as well as trouble sleeping.

People who suffer from depression may feel as if they have less control over their feelings and actions. This can lead to self-destructive behavior such as excessive alcohol consumption or overeating. There may be changes in their appetite, such as cravings for food that aren't typical for them. People with depression may experience digestive issues, such as diarrhea or an indigestion.

Muscle and back pain can be another symptom of depression, and is typically associated with poor posture or injuries. The pain is more prevalent in women. It can be aggravated by stress or certain foods. Depression is thought to cause back and muscle pain because it alters the nerve pathways that process both mood and pain receptors.

Other signs of depression are changes in a person's voice or movements, a slowing of their movements and a lack of motivation for movement, such as fidgeting or walking. Depression can also make it more difficult to concentrate and remember things, and some people have difficulties making decisions. If you've been experiencing symptoms for a long period of time it is crucial to schedule an appointment with your doctor. A health professional will assist you in determining solutions such as psychotherapy or medication.

Muscle Aches

Muscle pains are a typical indication of depression. They can be painful. Vague aches and pains could be the first warning signs of mental health issues of depression to appear, making it difficult to recognize. Neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine are the reason for the connection between depression and pain. Insufficient regulation of transmitters can result in depression and pain. The link between depression and pain is bidirectional. Chronic pain can cause depression to become more severe and depression may cause chronic pain to become worse.

In a lot of cases the pains and aches caused by depression can be alleviated by using home remedies. Exercise, a healthy diet and enough rest can improve mood and reduce pain. If you are suffering from chronic pain, your healthcare provider may prescribe medicine or refer you to a specialist pain clinic.

Generalized muscle aches can be a sign of rhabdomyolysis, an illness that causes breaking down of muscle tissues and the release of harmful substances into the bloodstream. This condition is often triggered by exercise that is too strenuous or certain medications, or by illicit drugs. Other types of muscle aches include viral, fungal or parasitic infections, which can be treated with antiviral, antifungal or antiparasitic medications.

If you're suffering from generalized muscle pains it is essential to visit your therapist or doctor for a complete evaluation. If your pains and aches stem from an underlying condition your doctor may recommend treatment including stretching, hydration, and exercises. The over-the-counter pain relief medications like ibuprofen or aspirin, may ease the discomfort. If you suspect that your pains and discomforts are due to depression, speak to your therapist or doctor to identify and manage the root causes.