Severe Depression Physical Symptoms
The physical manifestations of depression that are severe include sleeplessness, fatigue and pain. Depression is a different experience for everyone, however there are many ways to deal with the symptoms and seek assistance should you need it.
It's common for us to feel sad or depressed at times however if they last and become a problem in our daily routine, this could be an indication of depression. Many people are also depressed due to long-term stress.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common and significant indicator of depression. It's a feeling of constant and unending fatigue, even when you're getting enough sleep. Fatigue can also be an effect of certain antidepressant medications, so you should discuss your symptoms with your doctor.
There's no exact definition of fatigue, but it's generally described as a feeling of tiredness that lasts for a long period of time, and is disruptive with your everyday life. Fatigue can be accompanied by several other symptoms like difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Other signs include muscle pain, changes to appetite, and feelings of weakness. According to some studies people with depression are more tired than people who are not suffering from the condition.
Certain causes of fatigue, such as excessive work, eating a healthy diet and excessive alcohol or drug use are evident. Other causes of fatigue, including thyroid diseases, anemia, chronic kidney, liver or lung disease are less apparent. Fatigue can be caused by illnesses, infections, and vitamins and minerals. Iron deficiency, for example can trigger fatigue. However, it is easily treated with a diet high in minerals like spinach and red meat.
Many people who suffer from depression feel exhausted and like they don't have the energy or motivation to do anything. This can lead to problems at work, with relationships, and even in everyday activities. It can also make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight or get regular exercise.
You can use several self-measurement questionnaires to determine the severity of fatigue you're feeling. They include the Fatigue Symptom Inventory and the Fatigue Severity Scale. Both ask you to answer questions about your physical and emotional functioning in the last month. Your responses are used to determine scores, with higher scores indicating greater levels of fatigue.
Difficulty sleeping
If you're having difficulties sleeping, it could be an indication of depression. If you're having trouble falling asleep, sleeping through the night, or awakening often during the night, it could affect your ability to function throughout the day. It could also contribute to fatigue, irritability, and weight gain.
bipolar depression disorder symptoms of depression can include feeling of heaviness or weightiness, stomach discomfort, abdominal bloating or distention and difficulty digesting food, reduced sexual desire or dysfunction, as well as appetite changes. In an investigation that included 69% of patients who were diagnosed with depression experienced somatic symptoms, in addition to a depressed mood.
Depression can also affect your eyesight and make the world appear blurry and hazy. This could be due to an alteration in the way your brain processes visual data. This can lead to difficulties with reading, driving, or working with numbers.
A decrease in energy and fatigue as well as a lack of interest in enjoyable activities can make it difficult to keep up an exercise routine. This can lead to a decline in fitness and weight gain, as well as a worsening of depression.
Numerous medical conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases, can cause depression. Certain medications, like neurotransmitter inhibitors and antipsychotics, can also cause depression.
Depression can be caused by an event that changes your life or a hormonal changes. Depressive episodes are common in women who have experienced pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum depression, or menopause. Bipolar disordered women may also suffer from depressive symptoms as well as manic episodes with increased activity and an increased sense of elation.
If you are experiencing physical symptoms of depression, it is crucial to consult your primary care physician or mental healthcare professional as soon possible. They'll be able to evaluate your symptoms and offer treatment options like psychotherapy or medication. If your symptoms are serious, they may suggest a more intense course of treatment, such as electroconvulsive (ECT) therapy or deep brain stimulation. Talk to your doctor to learn about your options.
Headaches
It can be a difficult symptom to identify particularly when the pain is unprovoked. Depression-related pain can occur anywhere on the body, including the head and back. The majority of the time, depression-related pain is moderate to mild and doesn't interfere with daily activities. Depression and pain are linked because they share the same neuronal pathways and chemicals within the brain. It is also more likely to accompany severe depression, and may reoccur frequently or last longer than you expected.
Headaches, specifically cluster headaches, could be a sign that you are depressed. These are headaches that usually happen for about one to two months at a time, typically at the same time every year. The symptoms of cluster headaches are similar to a regular headache, however they are much more intense and last longer. Pain in the stomach or chest could indicate that you are depressed, as well as an increase in sweating, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.
People with depression are often less able to control their moods and behaviors and this can cause self-destructive behaviours such as excessive eating or drinking alcohol. Some people suffering from depression might also notice changes in their appetites, such as cravings for food that aren't typical for them. Certain people suffering from depression suffer from digestive issues, such as vomiting or an indigestion.
Back and muscle pain can be a sign of depression, and is usually associated with poor posture or injuries. This type of pain is more prevalent among women. It is often aggravated by stress or certain foods. Depression is believed to cause back and muscle pain since it alters the nerve pathways that process both pain and mood receptors.
Other signs of depression are changes in the voice, a slowing of movement, and unintentional movements like fidgeting. Depression can also make it more difficult to focus and remember things and some people experience difficulties making decisions. If your symptoms are physical or emotional you should schedule an appointment with your doctor if you have been feeling them for a long time. A medical professional can assist you in finding treatment options such as psychotherapy or medications.
Muscle Aches
Muscle pains are a typical sign of depression. They can be painful. Aches and pains that are vague could be the first signs of depression to show up, making it difficult to recognize. The connection between depression and pain is related to neurotransmitters, such as serotonin or norepinephrine. The inability to regulate these transmitters can cause pain and depression. The link between depression and pain is bidirectional. Chronic pain can trigger depression, and depression can cause chronic pain to become worse.
Many of the pains and discomforts that depression causes can be treated at home. A healthy diet, exercise and adequate sleep can boost mood and reduce pain. If you suffer from chronic pain, your doctor may prescribe medication or refer you to a specialized pain clinic.
Generalized muscle aches can be an indication 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 overuse or certain medications, or illicit drugs. Other forms of muscle pain include parasites, fungi or viral infections. These can be treated with antibiotics, antivirals or antiparasitic drugs.
If you're experiencing generalized muscle pain, it's essential to speak with your doctor or therapist. If your pains and aches originate from an underlying problem, your healthcare provider may suggest treatment such as stretching, hydration and exercises. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, can help with the discomfort. If you suspect that your aches and discomforts are due to depression, talk to your therapist or doctor to determine and treat the root causes.