Severe Depression Physical Symptoms
Severe depression physical symptoms often include sleeplessness, fatigue and pain. People with depression experience different effects however there are ways to deal with these symptoms and get help when needed.
It’s common for us to feel sad or depressed sometimes however if they last and interfere with our lives, it could be a sign of depression. Many people also experience depression as a result of long-term stress.
Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most frequent and serious symptoms of depression. It’s like having a constant and unrelenting exhaustion, even when you’re getting enough sleep. Fatigue is also an adverse effect of antidepressant medication, so you should discuss your symptoms Of teenage depression with your doctor.
There’s no definitive definition of fatigue, but it’s typically described as a feeling of fatigue that lasts for a long period of time and causes disruption with your daily life. Fatigue can be accompanied by various other symptoms of severe depression, including difficulty falling or staying asleep. Other symptoms include muscle pain, changes in appetite and feelings of weakness. According to some studies, those suffering from depression are more tired than people who are not suffering from the condition.
Certain causes of fatigue, including working too much, not eating a balanced diet, and excessive drinking or drug usage, are obvious. Other causes of fatigue, such as 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. Iron deficiency, for example can trigger fatigue. However, it can be easily treated by eating food rich in the mineral like spinach and red meat.
Many people with depression feel exhausted and as if they lack the energy to accomplish anything. This can cause issues at work, in relationships, and even in everyday activities. The fatigue can make it difficult to maintain a healthy body weight or to maintain regular exercise.
You can take advantage of a variety of self-measurement surveys to determine the level of fatigue you are experiencing. These include the Fatigue Symptom Inventory as well as the Fatigue Severity Scale. Both require you to answer questions about your emotional and physical functioning in the last month. Your answers are used to create an assessment score, with higher scores indicating more fatigue.
Difficulty sleeping
If you’re having difficulty sleeping, it could be an indication that you’re suffering from depression. Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or getting up frequently during the night can interfere with your ability to perform throughout the day. It can cause fatigue, irritability and weight increase.
Other physical symptoms include a feeling of weightiness or heaviness stomach pain or bloating, difficulties in digesting food, reduced desire to engage in sexual activities or dysfunction and changes in appetite. In a study that included 69% of patients who were treated for depression reported somatic symptoms in addition to depressed mood.
Depression can also affect your eyesight which can 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 could cause you to have trouble reading, driving or working with numbers.
A loss of energy, fatigue and an inability to engage in enjoyable activities can make it difficult to stick to the routine of exercise. This could lead to a lower level of fitness, weight gain and depression.
Numerous medical conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders, can cause depression. Some medications, including neurotransmitter inhibitors and antipsychotics can also trigger depression.
Depression can sometimes be triggered by a life-changing event or hormonal change. Depression is common among women who have had a childbirth experience, pregnancy, postpartum depression, or menopausal. Bipolar disorder sufferers may also experience depressive episodes, and manic episodes with increased activity and a higher feeling of elation.
If you’re experiencing the physical symptoms of depression, you should see your primary care doctor or a mental health professional as soon as possible. They will be able to assess your symptoms and offer treatment options such as psychotherapy or medications. If your cognitive symptoms of depression are severe, they may recommend more intensive treatment, such as electroconvulsive (ECT) therapy or deep brain stimulation. Talk to your doctor to discuss the options available to you.
Headaches
It can be a difficult symptom to identify in particular when the pain is unprovoked. The pain that is caused by depression is usually felt in the back or head, but can also occur throughout the body. Usually, the pain associated with depression is moderate to mild and doesn’t hinder daily activities. The two are connected because they share the same neuronal pathways and chemicals in the brain. Pain is more likely to accompany severe major depressive symptoms episodes and may happen more frequently or last longer.
Headaches can be a sign of depression particularly if they are cluster headaches. These are headaches that typically last for between one and two months at a time, generally at the same time every year. The symptoms of cluster headaches are similar to regular headache, but they are much more severe and last longer. Pain in the chest or stomach can be a sign that you are depressed, and also an increase in sweating, fatigue, and sleeplessness.
Depression can make people feel that they are not in complete control over their feelings and actions. This can lead to self destructive behavior such as excessive drinking or overeating. There may be changes in their appetite, including cravings for food that aren’t typical for them. Certain people suffering from depression suffer from digestive problems such as diarrhoea or an indigestion.
Muscle and back pain can be another sign of depression, and it’s usually associated with poor posture or injuries. The pain is more prevalent in women. It can be aggravated by stress and certain foods. Depression is believed to cause back and muscle pain since it interferes with the nerve pathways that control 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 the ability to concentrate, remember things, and make decisions. Whether your symptoms are physical or emotional it is important to make an appointment with your doctor if you have been feeling these symptoms for a while. A medical professional can assist you in determining treatments like psychotherapy or medication.
Muscle Aches
Muscle aches are a common sign of depression. They can be painful. It can be difficult to diagnose depression when the initial identifying early signs of depression are vague aches and pains. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin or norepinephrine are the reason for the link between depression and pain. Dysregulation of these transmitters can cause depression and pain. The connection between depression and pain is bidirectional: depression can increase the severity of pain, and chronic pain can worsen depression.
In many cases the pains and aches caused by depression can be treated by using home remedies. Regular exercise, a healthy diet and sufficient sleep can help you manage pain and improve mood. If you are suffering from chronic pain, you might be prescribed medication by your physician or referred to an acupuncture clinic.
Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that can cause generalized muscle pains. This condition leads to the loss of muscle tissue as well as the release of harmful substances in the bloodstream. This condition is often triggered by over-strengthening exercise or certain medications, or by illicit drugs. Other forms of muscle pain are fungal, viral or parasitic infections. These can be treated with antiviral, antifungal or antiparasitic medications.
If you have generalized muscle aches, it’s important to see your doctor or therapist for a complete evaluation. If the pains and aches are caused by an underlying condition your doctor will recommend treatment, such as stretching, exercises and hydration. Ibuprofen and aspirin are over-the-counter pain relievers that can help ease the discomfort. If you think your aches and discomforts are caused by depression, talk to your doctor or therapist to pinpoint and address the underlying causes.