Demetra Ericson

Severe Depression Physical Symptoms

Depression that is severe can trigger physical symptoms such as fatigue, pain and difficulty sleeping. Depression is different for everyone, but there are many ways to cope with the symptoms and seek out help if necessary.

It's common for us to feel sad or depressed occasionally however if they last and disrupt our daily lives, this could be a sign of depression. Some people experience depression due to chronic stress.

Fatigue

Fatigue is among the most prevalent and severe symptoms of depression. It's like having a constant and unrelenting exhaustion even when you're sleeping enough. Fatigue is a common side effect of some antidepressant medicines which is why it's essential to discuss your symptoms with your physician.

There is no exact definition of fatigue, however it is described as a constant feeling of fatigue that causes problems with daily activities. The symptoms of depression and anxiety of fatigue can include various other symptoms, including difficulty falling or staying asleep. Other symptoms include muscle pain, changes to appetite and feelings of weakness. According to studies, people suffering from depression are more exhausted than those without the condition.

Some causes of fatigue, including excessive work, eating a balanced diet, and excessive alcohol or drug use are well-known. Other causes of fatigue, like anemia, thyroid diseases, chronic liver, kidney or lung diseases, are not as obvious. Fatigue is usually caused by illnesses, infections and certain vitamins and mineral supplements. For instance, iron deficiency can trigger fatigue. However, it is easily treated by eating foods high in minerals such as red meat and spinach.

Many people who suffer from depression feel they have no energy or motivation and are exhausted to do anything. This can cause problems at work, in relationships and daily activities. In addition, fatigue can make it more difficult to maintain a healthy weight or regularly exercise.

There are numerous self-measurement questionnaires that can help you determine how much fatigue you're experiencing. The Fatigue Severity Scale and the Fatigue Severity Inventory are two of the most popular. Both require you to answer questions regarding your physical and emotional warning signs of depression functioning in the last month. Your answers are used to create an assessment system that scores you, with higher scores indicating more fatigue.

Sleeping difficulties

If you're experiencing difficulties sleeping, it could be an indication that you're suffering from depression. If you have trouble falling asleep, sleeping through the night, or awakening frequently during the night, it can affect your ability to function throughout the day. It can also contribute to stress, irritability, or weight increase.

Other physical signs of depression may include a feeling of weightiness or heaviness, stomach pain, bloating or abdominal discomfort, difficulty digesting food, decreased 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 your eyesight which can make the world appear blurry and hazy. In some instances it is due to a change in how the brain processes visual information. This could cause you to struggle with reading, driving or working with numbers.

A decrease in energy, fatigue and a lack of interest in pleasurable activities can make it difficult to maintain the routine of exercise. This can result in lower fitness and weight gain, and also a deterioration of depression.

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

In some instances, depression can be caused by an event in the life or hormonal changes. Depressive episodes are common in women who have had a childbirth experience, pregnancy postpartum depression, menopausal. Bipolar disordered women may also experience depression symptoms in seniors symptoms, as well as manic episodes with more activity and a greater sense of elation.

If you're experiencing physical signs of depression, it's best to see your primary care doctor or a mental health professional as soon as you can. They will be able to assess your symptoms and offer options for treatment, like psychotherapy or medication. If your symptoms are severe, they could suggest a more intensive treatment plan, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or deep brain stimulation (DBS). Talk to your doctor to discuss your options.

Headaches

The symptom of pain is difficult to identify, especially when it isn't explained. Depression-related pain can occur anywhere in the body including the back and head. Typically, pain from depression is moderate to mild Signs Of depression and doesn't hinder everyday activities. The two are connected because they share the exact same neurochemicals and pathways within the brain. Pain is more likely to be associated with depressive episodes that are severe and may happen more frequently or last longer.

Headaches, specifically cluster headaches, can be an indication that you're depressed. Cluster headaches are headaches that occur for up to two month intervals, typically at the same time every year. The symptoms of cluster headaches are similar to those of a regular headache, however they are much more intense and last longer. The discomfort in the stomach or chest can indicate that you're depressed, along with increased sweating, fatigue and sleeplessness.

People who have depression tend to feel less in control of their emotions and actions, and that can sometimes lead to self-destructive behaviors like overeating or drinking too much alcohol. Some people suffering from depression might also notice changes in their appetites, such as cravings for foods that aren't typical for them. Certain people who suffer from depression have digestive issues, such as constipation or diarrhea.

Back and muscle pain is a different sign of depression. It's usually related to bad posture or injuries. The pain is more prevalent for women. It can be aggravated by stress or certain foods. Depression can cause back and muscle pain as it alters nerve pathways that process emotions and pain receptors.

Other signs of depression include changes in a person's voice and movements. They may also experience slowness in their movements and a lack of motivation for movement, such as fidgeting or walking. Depression can also make it difficult to concentrate and remember things and some sufferers have difficulties making decisions. If you've been experiencing symptoms for a long time it's important to make an appointment with a doctor. A health care professional can help connect you to treatment options, like psychotherapy and medications.

Muscle Aches

Muscle aches are a common sign of depression. They can be painful. The aches and pains of the vagabond can be the first symptoms of depression to show up and are difficult to recognize. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin or norepinephrine play a role in the link between depression and pain. Insufficient regulation of transmitters can result in depression and pain. The pain-depression link is also bidirectional. Chronic pain can cause depression symptoms checklist to become more severe, and depression can make chronic pain worse.

Many of the pains and discomforts that depression can be addressed at home. A healthy diet, exercise and enough rest can improve mood and reduce pain. If you suffer from chronic pain, you may be prescribed medicine by your healthcare provider or directed to an acupuncture clinic.

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that can cause generalized muscle pains. This condition triggers the breakdown of muscle tissue and the release of harmful substances in the bloodstream. This condition can be caused by exercise too vigorously, certain medications, or illicit drugs. Other types of muscle aches are fungal, viral or parasitic infections. These can be treated with antiviral, antifungal or antiparasitic drugs.

If you're experiencing generalized muscle aches it is essential to visit your therapist or doctor for a complete evaluation. If your pains and aches result from an underlying issue your doctor might suggest treatment that includes stretching, hydration, and exercises. Aspirin and Ibuprofen are both prescription pain relievers available over the counter that can help ease the discomfort. If you believe that your pains and discomforts are due to depression, talk to your therapist or doctor to pinpoint and address the underlying factors.