Severe Depression Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms of severe depression (Going On this site) typically include sleeplessness, fatigue and pain. Different people experience depression differently However, there are ways to manage these symptoms of major depressive disorder and get help should you require it.

It's normal for us to feel down or sad at times but if they continue and interfere with our daily lives, this could be an indication of depression. Many people are also depressed as a result of chronic stress.

Fatigue

Fatigue is among the most common and serious symptoms of depression. Even when you're getting enough sleep, it feels like a constant, unrelenting fatigue. Fatigue is also a consequence of some antidepressant medicines and it's crucial to discuss your symptoms with your physician.

There is no precise definition of fatigue, but it is described as a constant feeling of fatigue that interferes with daily activities. The fatigue may be accompanied by other symptoms, including trouble falling or staying asleep or sleeping, muscle pain, changes in appetite and feelings of weakness or inability to move or exercise. Some studies have revealed that people with depression are more tired than those without the condition.

Certain causes of fatigue, such as working too much, not eating a healthy diet, and excessive alcohol or drug use, are obvious. Other causes of fatigue, such as thyroid disorders, anemia, chronic kidney, liver, or lung disease, are not as obvious. The cause of fatigue can be illnesses, infections, and vitamins and minerals. Iron deficiency, for example, can cause fatigue. However, it can be easily treated by eating food rich in the mineral such as spinach and red meat.

Many people suffering from depression are exhausted and feel that they lack the energy to accomplish anything. This can cause problems at work, with relationships, and in everyday activities. 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 feeling. They include the Fatigue Symptom Inventory and the Fatigue Severity Scale. Both require you to answer a set of questions about your physical and emotional functioning over the past month. Your answers are used to create an assessment system that scores you, with higher scores indicating more fatigue.

Sleeping difficulties

If you're having difficulty sleeping, it could be an indication that you're suffering from depression. Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or awakening frequently during the night can hinder your ability to perform throughout the day. It can cause stress, fatigue, and weight increase.

Other physical symptoms include a feeling or weightiness or heaviness, stomach discomfort or bloating, difficulty in digesting food, a decreased desire to be sexually active or dysfunction, and changes in appetite. In an investigation that included 69 percent of patients diagnosed with depression experienced somatic symptoms of teenage depression, in addition to a depressed mood.

Depression can also affect your eyesight which can make the world appear hazy and blurry. In some instances, this is due to a change in the way the brain processes visual information. This could cause you to have trouble reading, driving or working with numbers.

An inability to focus fatigue, fatigue, and a lack of interest in enjoyable activities can make it difficult to maintain the routine of exercise. This can lead to a decline in fitness and weight gain as well as an increase in the severity of depression.

Many medical conditions can cause depression, which includes infections like hepatitis C or HIV cancer, as well as heart disease and neurodegenerative disorders. Certain medications, like antipsychotics and neurotransmitter inhibitors, can also cause depression.

In some instances, depression can be triggered by a life event or hormonal change. Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and postpartum depression are all linked with depressive episodes in a few women. Bipolar disordered women may also experience depression symptoms, as well as manic phases with more activity and a greater sense of elation.

If you are experiencing physical symptoms of depression, it is crucial to consult your primary care physician or a mental healthcare professional as quickly as possible. They'll be able to evaluate your symptoms and provide options for treatment, such as psychotherapy or medication. If your symptoms are severe, they could suggest a more intensive treatment plan like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or deep brain stimulation (DBS). Talk to your doctor about your options and how to manage your symptoms so that you can remain on the path to recovery.

Headaches

Pain is a difficult symptom to detect, particularly if it is not explained. The pain that is caused by depression usually occurs in the head or back, but can also occur throughout the body. Typically, pain from depression is moderate to mild and doesn't hinder daily activities. The two are connected because they share the identical neurochemicals and pathways that are found in the brain. Pain is also more likely to occur in conjunction with severe depression and it can recur frequently or last for longer than anticipated.

Headaches are a sign of depression, especially if they're cluster headaches. These are headaches that usually occur for one to two months at a time, typically around the same time each year. Cluster headaches have similar symptoms to regular headaches, but are more intense and last longer. Pain in the chest or stomach can also be an indication of depression, as well as increased sweating, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.

People who suffer from depression may feel that they are not in complete control over their emotions and actions. This could lead to self destructive actions like excessive drinking or overeating. They might also have changes in their appetites, which can include cravings for food that aren't normal for them. Certain people suffering from teenage depression symptoms suffer from digestive issues, such as diarrhoea or an indigestion.

Muscle and back pain is a different sign of depression. It's usually related to injuries or poor posture. This pain can be exacerbated by stress or certain food items and is more frequent in women than males. Depression is thought to cause back and muscle pain because it affects 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 unintentional movements like fidgeting or walking. Depression can also affect one's ability to concentrate, remember things and make choices. Whether your symptoms are emotional or physical you should schedule an appointment with your doctor if you have been feeling them for a long time. A health care professional can connect you to treatment options like psychotherapy and medications.

Muscle Aches

Muscle aches are a common sign of depression. They can be painful. It can be difficult to diagnose depression when the initial signs are a vague ache and pain. Neurotransmitters such serotonin or norepinephrine are responsible for the connection between depression and pain. Dysregulation 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 get worse.

Many of the aches and pains that depression causes can be treated at home. Exercise, a healthy diet and enough sleep can improve mood and ease pain. If you suffer from chronic pain, you may be prescribed medicine by your doctor or directed to an area pain clinic.

Generalized muscle aches could be a sign of rhabdomyolysis, an illness that causes breaking down of muscle tissues and release of harmful substances into the bloodstream. This condition is often caused by excessive exercise, certain medications, or illicit drugs. Other forms of muscle pain are fungal, viral or parasitic infections, which can be treated with antiviral, antifungal or antiparasitic medication.

If you have generalized muscle pains, it's important to see your therapist or doctor for a complete evaluation. If your pains and aches stem from an underlying condition, your healthcare provider may suggest treatment such as stretching, hydration and exercise. Aspirin and ibuprofen are available non-prescription pain relievers that help ease the discomfort. If you feel that your pains and aches are due to depression, talk to your doctor or therapist about identifying and addressing the root causes that cause the symptoms.