15 Reasons Not To Ignore Severe Depression Physical Symptoms

Severe Depression Physical Symptoms Severe depression can cause physical symptoms like discomfort, fatigue and trouble sleeping. Depression is different for everyone, but there are many ways to cope with the symptoms and seek assistance if necessary. It's normal to feel sad or down at times but if they continue and disrupt our lives, it could be an indication of depression. Some people experience depression due to long-term stress. Fatigue Fatigue is a common and significant symptom of depression. It's a feeling of constant and unrelenting exhaustion, even when you're sleeping enough. Fatigue can also be a side effect of some antidepressant medications and it's crucial to discuss your symptoms with your physician. There is no exact definition of fatigue, however it can be described as a persistent feeling of fatigue that interferes with daily activities. It can be accompanied by several other symptoms like difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Other symptoms include muscle pain, changes in appetite, and feelings of weakness. Some studies have revealed that people with depression experience more fatigue than others who do not suffer from the condition. Certain causes of fatigue, such as working too much, not eating a healthy diet and excessive alcohol or drug usage are well-known. Other causes of fatigue, including thyroid diseases, anemia, chronic kidney, liver, or lung disease, are less apparent. Fatigue can be triggered by illnesses, infections and certain minerals and vitamins. For example iron deficiency can trigger fatigue, but it can be managed by eating more foods that contain iron like red meat, spinach, and fish. Many people with depression feel exhausted and that they lack the energy to do anything. This can cause issues at work, in relationships, and in everyday activities. It can be difficult to keep a healthy weight or get regular exercise. There are numerous self-measurement questionnaires that will aid in determining the degree of fatigue you're experiencing. These include the Fatigue Symptom Inventory and the Fatigue Severity Scale. 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 that scores you, with higher scores indicating more fatigue. Difficulty Sleeping If you're experiencing trouble sleeping, it may be an indication of depression. If you're having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, or waking often during the night, it could hinder your ability to function through the day. It may cause fatigue, irritability, and weight gain. Other physical symptoms include a feeling or feeling of weight or heaviness, stomach discomfort or bloating, difficulty in digesting food, reduced desire to be sexually active or dysfunction and changes in appetite. In a recent study 69% of patients treated for depression also reported somatic symptoms. Depression can also affect your eyesight and make the world appear blurry and unclear. In some instances it's due to a change in the way the brain processes visual information. This can cause problems with reading, driving, or working with numbers. An inability to focus and fatigue as well as an absence of enthusiasm for enjoyable activities can make it difficult to stick to an exercise routine. This can lead to poorer fitness and weight gain, as well as a worsening of depression. Many medical conditions can trigger depression, which includes infections like Hepatitis C or HIV cancer, neurodegenerative disorders and heart disease. Some medications can also cause depression, such as antipsychotics and some neurotransmitter inhibitors. Depression can be triggered by a life-changing event or hormonal changes. Depression is common among women who have experienced childbirth, pregnancy, postpartum depression, or menopause. Women with bipolar disorder can also experience depressive episodes, and manic episodes with an increase in activity and a greater feeling of elation. If you're experiencing the physical symptoms of depression, you should visit your primary physician or a mental health professional as soon as possible. They'll be able to assess your symptoms and offer treatments like psychotherapy or medication. If your symptoms are severe they may recommend an additional intensive course of treatment, such as electroconvulsive (ECT) therapy or deep brain stimulation. Talk to your doctor about the options available and how to manage these symptoms, so that you can remain on the road to recovery. Headaches It can be a difficult symptom to recognize, especially when the pain is unprovoked. The pain that is triggered by depression often occurs in the back or the head however, it can also be felt throughout the body. Pain from depression is usually moderate to mild and is not a problem for everyday activities. Depression and pain are linked because they share the same neurological pathways and chemicals in the brain. Pain is more likely to be associated with depressive episodes that are severe and can occur more often or last longer. Headaches can be an indication of depression, particularly if they are cluster headaches. These are headaches that usually happen for about one to two months at a time, generally around the same time each year. The symptoms of cluster headaches are similar to regular headache, but they are much more intense and last longer. The pain in the chest or stomach can be a sign that you're depressed, along with increased sweating, fatigue and trouble sleeping. People with depression tend to feel less able to control their emotions and actions and this can result in self-destructive behavior like drinking excessively or eating too much alcohol. People with depression might also notice changes in their appetites, like cravings for food that aren't normal for them. Certain people who suffer from depression have digestive issues, like constipation or diarrhea. Back and muscle pain is another symptom of depression. It is often linked to injuries or poor posture. This pain is more common for women. It can be aggravated by stress and certain food items. Depression is believed to cause back and muscle pain due to the fact that it affects the nerve pathways that control both mood and pain receptors. Other signs of depression are changes in voice, a slower movement, and purposeless movements like fidgeting. Depression can also affect your ability to concentrate, remember things and make choices. If you've experienced symptoms for a long time it's important to schedule an appointment with a doctor. A health specialist can assist you in connecting to treatment options, like psychotherapy and medications. Muscle Aches Muscle pains can be extremely painful and a typical symptom of depression. It is difficult to recognize depression when the first symptoms are not obvious aches and pains. Neurotransmitters such serotonin or norepinephrine are the reason for the connection between depression and pain. Iam Psychiatry of these transmitters can cause depression and pain. The pain-depression link is also bidirectional. Chronic pain can trigger depression and depression can cause chronic pain to get worse. Many of the aches and pains that depression causes can be treated at home. A healthy diet, exercise and adequate sleep can boost mood and ease pain. If you are suffering from chronic pain, your healthcare provider might prescribe medication or refer you to a specialized pain clinic. Rhabdomyolysis can cause generalized muscle pains. This condition causes the loss of muscle tissue as well as the release of harmful substances into the bloodstream. This condition is often triggered through over-training, certain medications or illicit drugs. Other forms of muscle aches are fungal, viral or parasitic infections, which can be treated with antiviral, antifungal or antiparasitic medication. If you experience generalized muscle pain, it's important to consult your doctor or therapist. If your aches and pains stem from an underlying condition your doctor may suggest treatment such as stretching, hydration and exercise. The over-the-counter pain relief medications like ibuprofen or aspirin, may ease the discomfort. If you think your discomforts and aches are caused by depression, speak to your doctor or therapist to pinpoint and address the root causes.