Depression Symptoms Physical
Many people associate symptoms of emotional distress such as sadness, irritability and despair with depression. But depression can also cause physical symptoms like fatigue, pain and changes in appetite.
The physical symptoms might not suffice on their own to diagnose depression, which requires several persistent severe, long-lasting, and enduring symptoms for more than two weeks. However, they could help your doctor assess your condition.
Loss of interest in activities
Depression can cause you lose interest in activities that you used to enjoy. It can also trigger physical issues like back pain, joint pain headaches, changes in appetite. You may feel tired all the time, even if you've had enough sleep. It's difficult to get out of bed in the morning, and you may feel like you're not worth it. These feelings can cause you to want to stay at home and avoid social interaction. If you're experiencing these negative emotions, you should speak to your doctor.
Every person experiences sadness at certain times in their lives, especially after a significant loss or disappointment. However, if your sadness continues for more than two weeks and is affecting your daily routine you could be suffering from depression.
A mental health professional will examine your symptoms and feelings to determine whether you are suffering from clinical depression (also known as major depressive disorders). Your assessment will include a physical examination and laboratory tests to rule out an underlying medical problem. Your evaluation will also include a mental health exam where your mental health specialist will ask you about your thoughts and feelings as well as your behaviour patterns. They will employ the criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association, to determine if you are suffering from a mental disorder.
Depression is more prevalent among women than in men, but it can affect anyone at any age. It can happen without or with a history of a mental illness. It can be triggered by specific circumstances, like breaking up with a partner or a medical condition. Some medications can cause depression. However, it's essential to establish a diagnosis since depression can be treated with therapy and medication.
Fatigue
Fatigue can be felt in all parts of the body. Some people feel exhausted constantly, whereas others experience it intermittently. Fatigue may be accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty concentrating or thinking, a loss of appetite and feelings sadness.
Many people who experience fatigue as a result of depression could also have fibromyalgia. This condition can cause chronic pain and fatigue. This is caused by a variety of causes, including an imbalance in the chemical system of the brain that can cause mood changes and physical symptoms like burning or a deep ache in the muscles, tingling in the arms or legs or difficulty sleeping.
Depression fatigue can make life difficult throughout the day. It could cause problems at school or at work and can cause tension in relationships or increase stress levels. Someone who is suffering from depression may benefit from speaking with a doctor or therapist.
During your appointment, the health professional may inquire about your symptoms, sleep habits, level of activity and other factors. A physical exam and laboratory tests could be scheduled. Psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications are all options for depression fatigue.
Although it is important to discuss depression fatigue with a medical professional, you can take steps to combat this condition on your own. Exercise, a healthy diet and participating in activities you enjoy can improve your energy levels. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine can also reduce fatigue. Some people find it useful to keep a diary or journal of their thoughts so that they can recognize patterns that lead to fatigue.
Headaches
Headaches are one of the most frequently reported symptoms of depression. The pain can range from moderate to severe and make it difficult to function. The pain can be associated with physical symptoms like weight loss and a loss of appetite. The headaches associated with depression may be primary, like tension or migraine, or they can occur as a result of depression, like cluster headaches.
Sleep, fatigue, and stress issues can cause headaches that are a result of depression. They can also be the result of other health issues like heart disease or irritable intestinal syndrome. The pain can also be caused by hormonal changes like those that occur during pregnancy or puberty.
If you're experiencing new or worsening headaches it is crucial to see your doctor. The doctor will conduct tests and determine the reasons behind your headaches. You should also tell your doctor how you feel emotionally. Some doctors only focus on physical symptoms, which could cause them to miss the mark on diagnosing depression.
The fact that you have a headache is not a sign of depression. If you experience other physical symptoms, like fatigue or a lack of interest in your daily activities as well as headaches, you could be depressed. If you've been diagnosed with depression, you will be given a treatment plan that includes a combination of therapies to improve your mood. Your doctor will also talk about ways to prevent depression from reoccurring. These may include lifestyle changes as well as prescription medication. Some people who have depression have vision issues like blurred or dimmed vision. It is not known why some people have vision changes, like blurred or darkened vision.
Muscles hurt
Depression can cause you to feel achy, especially in your muscles. Depression can affect your nervous system, which is responsible for transmitting signals of pain to and from the body. Depression alters the balance between certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, and norepinephrine. This can result in changes in mood and pain. The relationship between depression and pain is bi-directional, meaning that mood changes can cause you to be more sensitive to pain, and higher levels can trigger depression.
Fatigue is another common physical manifestation of depression. This is more than just feeling tired. It's a severe fatigue that interferes with your daily activities and doesn't subside by rest. In addition, it is important to recognize any underlying problems that could be contributing to your fatigue, for instance digestive issues and irritable bowel syndrome which are usually triggered by depression.
Muscle aches that are connected with depression may be described as dull or aching. The aches may be persistent or intermittent, and they are typically more severe when stressed. These aches could be caused by muscle strain or inflammation and stress is usually an issue.
In general, the best method to deal with muscle aches and other physical signs is to get plenty of rest, use prescription painkillers and apply a hot or cold compress as required. A well-balanced eating plan and regular exercise can also aid in improving mood and managing pain. Additionally certain antidepressant medicines have been proven to reduce depression-related symptoms including fatigue and pain. This includes both tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline (Elavil) and newer medications like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor). If you are struggling with depression and are experiencing painful symptoms consult your physician about your treatment options.
Weight loss
Depression can cause an increase in appetite. Some people may lose weight by eating less. Others may eat more to ease their stress and end up gaining weight. This is due to the fact that many people who are depressed have lower metabolic rates and are more likely to experience digestive problems.
Depression can cause people to lose contact with reality. This can include hallucinations or illusions. In certain cases the symptoms may be so severe that they can disrupt the daily routine and can lead to suicidal thoughts. This is called psychotic depression. This kind of depression is more prevalent in women during pregnancy and after the birth of a child (also called perinatal period).
It's important to be aware that you can seek help for depression when you're experiencing physical symptoms. A mental health professional can assist you in finding the right treatment for your condition and you. Finding the help you require is essential because it will enhance your life and increase the likelihood of recovery.
While the majority of people depressed know the emotional signs of depression, they may overlook or misunderstand physical symptoms. This can result in people not seeking the help they need.
Managing severe depression symptoms of depression can be a challenge, but it's essential to take care to treat the condition effectively. If you are experiencing these symptoms for more than two weeks, you must seek out a medical professional. Talk to an Priory Mental Health specialist who can help manage and recognize your symptoms. They can give you the help you need to recover.