Severe Depression Physical Symptoms
Depression that is severe can trigger physical symptoms, such as fatigue, pain and difficulty sleeping. Depression affects everyone differently, but there are many ways to deal with the symptoms and seek help should you need it.
It's normal for all of us to feel sad or low sometimes however if the feelings are persistent and interfere with daily life, they may indicate depression. People who suffer from depression are often due to chronic stress.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a frequent and severe sign of depression. Even when you're getting enough sleep, it feels like a constant, incessant fatigue. Fatigue is also a consequence of some antidepressant drugs, so it's important to discuss your symptoms with your physician.
There's no definitive definition of fatigue, but it's typically described as a feeling of tiredness that lasts for a long period of time, and is disruptive with your daily activities. Fatigue can be accompanied by various other symptoms such as difficulty falling or staying asleep. Other symptoms include muscle pain, changes to appetite and a feeling of weakness. Certain studies have shown that depression sufferers are more tired than those who do not suffer from the condition.
Some causes of fatigue are evident, for example, being overworked, not eating a balanced diet and excessive drinking or drug use. Other causes of fatigue, including anemia, thyroid diseases and chronic kidney, liver or lung disease are not as obvious. Fatigue is often caused by infections, illnesses and certain vitamins and mineral supplements. For instance, iron deficiency, can cause fatigue. However, it can be easily treated by eating foods that are rich in minerals such as spinach and red meat.
Many people with depression feel exhausted and like they don't have the energy to accomplish anything. This can lead to issues at work, in relationships, and in everyday activities. bipolar depression disorder symptoms can also make it more difficult to maintain a healthy weight and regularly exercise.
There are many different 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 among the most well-known. Both require you to answer a set of questions regarding your emotional and physical health during the last month. Your answers are used to create an assessment system which will give you higher scores, which indicate more fatigue.
Difficulty sleeping
If you're experiencing difficulties sleeping, it could be an indication of depression. If you have trouble falling asleep, getting to sleep, or waking frequently during the night, it can affect your ability to function throughout the day. It may cause anxiety, fatigue, and weight increase.
Other physical signs of depression include a feeling of weightiness or heaviness, stomach discomfort, abdominal bloating or distention and difficulty digesting food, a decrease in sexual desire or dysfunction, as well as appetite changes. In a recent study, 69% of patients treated for depression also reported physical symptoms.
Depression can also affect the eyesight. The world can appear blurred or hazy. In some instances, this is due to a change in the way the brain processes visual information. This could cause difficulties with reading, driving, or working with numbers.
A decrease in energy and fatigue as well as an absence of enthusiasm for enjoyable activities can make it difficult to keep up an exercise routine. This can lead you to a lower level of fitness, weight gain and depression.
A variety of medical conditions can cause depression, which includes infectious diseases such as hepatitis C or HIV cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and heart disease. Some medications can also cause depression, like antipsychotics and neurotransmitter inhibitors.
In some instances, depression can be caused by an event in life or hormonal changes. Depression is common among women who have experienced childbirth, pregnancy, postpartum depression, or menopausal. Women with bipolar disorder can also experience depressive episodes, as well as manic episodes with increased activity and a higher feeling of happiness.
If you're experiencing physical symptoms of depression, you must see your primary care doctor or a mental health professional as soon as possible. They can assess your symptoms and provide treatments such as psychotherapy or medications. If your symptoms are severe, they could suggest a more intensive treatment program like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or deep brain stimulation (DBS). Talk to your doctor to discuss your options.
Headaches
Pain can be a difficult symptom to identify, especially when the pain is unexplained. Depression-related pain can be felt anywhere in the body, including the back and head. The majority of the time, depression-related pain is mild to moderate and doesn't interfere with daily activities. Depression and pain are linked because they share the same neurological pathways and chemical processes in the brain. Pain is more likely to be associated with depressive episodes that are severe and may happen more frequently or last for longer.
Headaches can be a sign of depression especially if they are cluster headaches. Cluster headaches are headaches that occur for one to two month intervals, typically in the same order every year. The symptoms of cluster headaches are similar to regular headache, but they are more severe and last longer. Pain in the chest or stomach may also be an indication of depression, as can sweating that is increased and fatigue, as well as difficulty sleeping.
Depression can make people feel as if they have less control over their feelings and actions. This can lead to self destructive behaviors such as excessive alcohol consumption or overeating. People with depression may also experience changes in their appetites, for example, cravings for food that aren't typical for them. Some people with depression have digestive problems such as diarrhoea or an indigestion.
Back and muscle pain can be another symptom of depression. It's usually associated with poor posture or injuries. This pain is more common among women. It is often aggravated by stress and certain food items. Depression can trigger back and muscle pain due to the fact that it affects nerve pathways that process mood and pain receptors.
Other signs of depression include changes in a person's voice, slowness of movements, and purposeless movement such as fidgeting or walking. Depression can also make it difficult to concentrate and remember things, and some people have difficulties making decisions. If your symptoms are physical or emotional you should schedule an appointment with a doctor when you've been experiencing these symptoms for a while. A health care specialist can assist you in connecting to treatment options, such as psychotherapy and medication.
Muscle Aches
Muscle aches can be very painful and a typical symptom of depression. It is difficult to recognize depression when the initial signs are a vague ache and pain. The root cause of depression and pain is due to neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. The malfunction of transmitters can result in depression and pain. The pain-depression link is also bidirectional. Chronic pain can cause depression to become more severe and depression can cause chronic pain to become worse.
Many of the pains and discomforts that depression causes can be treated at home. Regular exercise, a healthy diet and sufficient sleep can help you manage the pain and improve mood. If you suffer from chronic pain, your physician may prescribe medication or refer you to a specialist pain clinic.
Rhabdomyolysis can cause generalized muscle pains. This condition leads to the loss of muscle tissue and the release of harmful substances in the bloodstream. This condition is often caused by overuse, certain medications, or illicit drugs. Other types of muscle aches include fungal, viral or parasitic infections. These can be treated with antiviral, antifungal or antiparasitic medication.
If you experience generalized muscle pain, it's crucial to consult your physician or therapist. If your pains and aches originate from an underlying problem your doctor may suggest treatment such as stretching, hydration and exercise. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, can ease the discomfort. If you think your aches and discomforts are caused by depression, consult your therapist or doctor to pinpoint and address the underlying factors.