Severe Depression Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms of severe depression typically include fatigue, difficulty sleeping and pain. Different people experience depression differently, but there are ways to deal with these symptoms and get help if needed.

It's normal for us to feel sad or down at times but if they continue and disrupt our daily routine, this could be a sign of depression. Certain people suffer from depression due to chronic stress.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a typical and serious symptom of depression. Even if you're getting enough rest, it can feel like constant and unrelenting fatigue. It can also be an adverse effect of certain antidepressant drugs which is why you should discuss your symptoms with a physician.

There is no precise definition for fatigue, but it is described as a constant feeling of tiredness which interferes with daily activities. It can be accompanied by several other symptoms like difficulty falling or staying asleep. Other signs include muscle pain, changes in appetite, and feelings of weakness. Some studies have found that those suffering from depression have more fatigue than people who are not suffering from the condition.

The causes of fatigue can be obvious, like being overworked, not eating a balanced diet and excessive use of alcohol or drugs. Other causes of fatigue, including thyroid diseases, anemia and chronic liver, kidney, or lung disease, are not as obvious. Fatigue can be caused by infections, illness and certain minerals and vitamins. Iron deficiency, for example causes fatigue. However, it can be easily treated by eating food that are rich in minerals such as spinach and red meat.

Many people who suffer from depression feel they have no energy and are too exhausted to accomplish anything. This can cause issues at work, in relationships and in everyday activities. In addition, fatigue can make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight or get regular exercise.

There are a variety of self-measurement tests that can aid in determining the degree of fatigue you're experiencing. The Fatigue Severity Scale and the Fatigue Severity Inventory are two of the most well-known. Both require you to answer a series of questions regarding your emotional and physical functioning in the last month. Your answers are then used to calculate a score and higher scores indicate higher levels of fatigue.

Sleeping difficulties

If you're experiencing difficulty sleeping, it could be a sign that you're depressed. If you have trouble falling asleep, sleeping through the night, or awakening frequently during the night, it could affect your ability to function throughout the day. It could cause anxiety, fatigue, and weight gain.

Other physical signs of depression may include a feeling of weightiness or heaviness stomach pain, bloating or abdominal distention and difficulty digesting food, reduced sexual desire or dysfunction, and appetite changes. In a recent study 69% patients diagnosed with depression also reported physical symptoms.

Depression can also affect the eyesight. The world can appear hazy or blurry. This could be due a change of how the brain processes visual information. This can lead to difficulties with reading, driving or working with numbers.

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

Many medical conditions can cause depression, which includes infectious diseases like Hepatitis C or HIV, cancer, heart disease and neurodegenerative disorders. Certain medications can also trigger depression, such as antipsychotics as well as some neurotransmitter inhibitors.

In some cases, depression can be brought on by an event in life or hormonal change. Menopausal changes, pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum depression are all associated with major depressive symptoms episodes in a few women. Women who suffer from bipolar disorders may also experience depression depressive symptoms checklist, as well as manic phases with an increase in activity and a feeling of elation.

If you are experiencing physical symptoms of depression, it is important to see your primary care physician or a mental health professional as soon as possible. They'll be able assess your symptoms of severe depressive episode and offer treatments like psychotherapy or medication. If your symptoms are severe, they could suggest a more intense course of treatment that includes electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or deep brain stimulation (DBS). Talk to your doctor about your options and how to manage these symptoms, so that you can remain on the road to recovery.

Headaches

Pain is a difficult symptom to identify, especially if it is not explained. Pain related to depression can be felt anywhere in the body including the back and head. Pain from depression is usually mild to moderate, and doesn't interfere with daily life. Depression and pain are related because they share the same neurological pathways and chemical processes in the brain. Pain is also more likely to occur in conjunction with severe depression and it can recur frequently or last longer than expected.

Headaches can be an indication of depression, especially if they're cluster headaches. Cluster headaches are headaches that occur for up to two month periods, usually at the same time each year. The symptoms of cluster headaches are similar to those types of depression a regular headache, but they are much more intense and last for a longer time. Pain in the chest or stomach could indicate that you're depressed, as well as an increase in sweating, fatigue, and sleeplessness.

People who have depression are often less able to control their emotions and actions and can result in self-destructive behavior like overeating or drinking too much alcohol. They might also have changes in their appetites, which can include cravings for food that aren't typical for them. People with depression may experience digestive issues, such as diarrhea or constipation.

Back and muscle pain is a different sign of depression. It's often related to poor posture or injuries. This type of pain can be made worse by stress or certain food items and is more prevalent in women than males. Depression can cause muscle and back pain, as it alters nerve pathways that regulate emotions and pain receptors.

Other indicators of depression include changes in voice, a slowing of movements, and involuntary actions like fidgeting. Depression can also make it more difficult to focus and remember information, and some people have difficulties making decisions. If you've been suffering from symptoms for a prolonged period, it is important to make an appointment with a doctor. A medical professional can assist you in determining solutions like psychotherapy or medication.

Muscle Aches

Muscle pains are a typical indication of depression. They can be painful. It can be difficult to diagnose depression when the initial signs are a vague ache and pain. The underlying connection between pain and depression is linked to neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Insufficient regulation of these transmitters can cause depression and pain. The pain-depression connection is also bidirectional. Depression can make pain more severe and chronic pain can worsen depression.

In many cases the pains and aches caused by depression can be treated by using home remedies. Exercise, a healthy diet and adequate sleep can boost mood and reduce pain. If you are suffering from chronic pain, your doctor might prescribe medication or recommend a specialized pain clinic.

Generalized muscle aches can be an indication of rhabdomyolysis which is a condition that results in the breakdown of muscle tissue and the release of harmful substances into the bloodstream. This condition is often caused by overuse, certain medications, or illicit drugs. Other forms of muscle pain are viral, fungi or parasitic infections. They can be treated with antibiotics, antivirals or antiparasitic drugs.

If you are experiencing generalized muscle pain, it's crucial to consult your physician or therapist. If your pains and aches stem from an underlying condition, your healthcare provider may suggest treatment such as stretching, hydration and exercise. The over-the-counter pain relief medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin, may ease the discomfort. If you believe that your discomforts and aches are due to depression, talk to your doctor or therapist to determine and treat the underlying causes.