Severe Depression Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms of severe depression typically include sleeplessness, fatigue and pain. Depression is a different experience for everyone, however there are many ways to cope with the symptoms and seek help if necessary.
It's normal for all of us to feel sad or down at times However, if these feelings are persistent and interfere with daily life they could be a sign of depression. Some people may also suffer from depression as a result of chronic stress.
Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common and serious symptoms of depression. Even when you're getting enough rest, it can feel like a constant and incessant fatigue. Fatigue is also a side effect of some antidepressant medications which is why it's essential to discuss your symptoms with your doctor.
There is no exact definition for fatigue, but it can be described as a persistent feeling of fatigue that interferes with daily activities. Fatigue can be accompanied by various other symptoms such as difficulty falling or staying asleep. Other symptoms include muscle pain, changes in appetite and a feeling of weakness. Some studies have found that depression sufferers have more fatigue than people who do not suffer from the condition.
The causes of fatigue can be obvious, like being overworked and not eating a balanced diet, or excessive alcohol or drug use. Other causes of fatigue, like anemia, thyroid diseases and chronic liver, kidney or lung diseases, are not as obvious. Fatigue can be caused by illnesses, infections, and vitamins and minerals. A deficiency in iron, for instance can trigger fatigue. However, it can be easily treated by eating foods that are rich in minerals like red meat and spinach.
Many people with depression feel that they have no energy and feel too exhausted to complete any task. This can lead to issues at work, in relationships, and in everyday activities. It can be difficult to maintain a healthy weight or get regular exercise.
There are numerous self-measurement tests that can help you determine the amount 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 over the past month. Your answers are used to determine a score, with higher scores indicating higher levels of fatigue.
Sleeping difficulties
If you're experiencing difficulty sleeping, it could be an indication of depression. If you're having difficulty falling asleep, sleeping through the night, or awakening frequently throughout the night, it can hinder your ability to function throughout the day. It may cause fatigue, irritability, and weight growth.
Other physical symptoms of depression can include feeling of heaviness or weightiness, stomach discomfort, abdominal bloating or distention as well as difficulty digesting food, reduced sexual desire or dysfunction and appetite changes. In an investigation that included 69 percent of patients diagnosed with depression experienced somatic symptoms in addition to depressed mood.
Depression can also affect eyesight. The world may appear hazy or blurry. This could be due changes in how the brain processes visual information. This can cause you to struggle with reading, driving or working with numbers.
A loss of energy and fatigue as well as an absence of enthusiasm for pleasurable activities can make it difficult to keep up the routine of exercise. This can lead to a poorer fitness level, weight gain and depression.
Numerous medical conditions, like heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders, can cause depression. Some medications can also cause depression, such as antipsychotics as well as some neurotransmitter inhibitors.
In certain cases depression can be brought on by a life event or hormonal change. Menopausal changes, pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum depression are all associated with depressive episodes in some women. Bipolar disorder sufferers may also experience depressive episodes, and manic episodes that are associated with more activity and a greater sense of elation.
If you're experiencing the physical signs of depression, you should visit your
primary depression symptoms physician or a
mental health indicators of depression health professional as soon as possible. They'll be able to evaluate your symptoms and provide treatment options such as psychotherapy or medications. If your symptoms are severe, they could recommend a more extensive course of treatment like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or deep brain stimulation (DBS). Talk to your doctor to discuss the options available to you.
Headaches
Pain can be a very difficult symptom to identify in particular when the pain is unprovoked. Pain related to depression can occur anywhere on the body including the head and back. Usually, the pain associated with depression is mild to moderate and doesn't interfere with daily activities. Depression and pain are linked because they share the same neurochemicals and pathways in the brain. The likelihood of pain is higher to be associated with depression that is severe, and it can recur frequently or last longer than you expected.
Headaches, specifically cluster headaches, could be an indication that you are depressed. These are headaches that generally happen for about one to two months at a time, usually around the same time each year. The symptoms of cluster headaches are similar to those of a regular headache, but they are much more severe and last longer. The pain in the stomach or chest can be a sign that you are depressed, along with increased sweating, fatigue and difficulty sleeping.
Depression can cause people to feel that they are not in complete control over their emotions and actions. This could lead to self destructive actions like drinking excessively or eating too much. They may also experience changes in their appetites, which can include cravings for food that aren't normal for them. People with depression may experience digestive problems such as vomiting or Indigestion.
Muscle and back pain could be another sign of
depression Symptoms In children, and is typically associated with poor posture or injuries. The pain can be caused by stress or certain food items and is more prevalent for women than men. Depression can cause muscle and back pain, because it affects nerve pathways that regulate emotions and pain receptors.
Other indicators of depression include changes in a person's voice or movements, a slowing of 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 people experience trouble making decisions. If your
symptoms of bipolar depression are emotional or physical you should schedule an appointment with your physician in case you've been feeling them for a long time. A health care professional will assist you in finding treatment options such as psychotherapy or medication.
Muscle Aches
Muscle aches can be very painful and a common symptom of depression. Aches and pains that are vague can be the first symptoms of depression to show up which makes it difficult to identify. Neurotransmitters such serotonin or norepinephrine are responsible for the connection between depression and pain. Insufficiency in these transmitters could result in depression and pain. The pain-depression link is also bidirectional. Chronic pain can make depression worse and depression may cause chronic pain to get worse.
In a lot of cases the pains and aches caused by depression can be alleviated with home remedies. Regular exercise, a healthy diet and adequate sleep can help reduce pain and improve mood. If you are suffering from chronic pain, your physician may prescribe medicine or refer you to a specialized pain clinic.
Rhabdomyolysis can cause generalized muscle pains. This condition causes the breakdown 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 forms of muscle pain are viral, fungi or parasitic infections. They can be treated by antiviral, antibiotics or antiparasitic medicines.
If you're experiencing generalized muscle pain, it is important to consult your doctor or therapist. If the pains and aches are caused by an underlying illness Your healthcare professional will recommend treatment, including exercises, stretching and hydration. Ibuprofen and aspirin are over-the-counter pain relievers that can help ease the discomfort. If your aches and pains are caused by depression, consult your doctor or therapist about identifying and addressing underlying factors that can contribute to the symptoms.