This Is The History Of Severe Depression Physical Symptoms
Severe Depression Physical Symptoms
Severe depression physical symptoms often include fatigue, difficulty sleeping and pain. Different people experience depression differently However, there are ways to manage these symptoms and seek help should you require it.
It's normal to feel down or sad sometimes, but if they persist and disrupt 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 severe indicator of depression. It's a feeling of constant and unending fatigue, even when you're sleeping well. It can also be an adverse effect of certain antidepressant medications, so you should discuss your symptoms with a physician.
There's no precise definition of fatigue, but it's generally described as a feeling of tiredness that persists over a long period of time and interferes with your daily life. It can be caused by other signs such as difficulty falling asleep or sleeping or sleeping, muscle pain or discomfort, changes in appetite, feelings of weakness or inability to exercise or move. According to some studies those suffering from depression are more tired than those who do not suffer from the condition.
Certain causes of fatigue, including excessive work, not eating a balanced diet, and excessive alcohol or drug use are well-known. However, other causes of fatigue are less apparent and could be due to thyroid disease, anemia, or chronic kidney, liver or lung disorders. Fatigue is often caused by infections, illnesses and certain vitamins and mineral supplements. For example iron deficiency can trigger fatigue, but it can be managed by eating more foods that are rich in minerals, such as red meat, spinach and fish.
Many people who suffer from depression are exhausted and feel as if they lack the energy or motivation to do anything. This can lead to problems at work, in relationships, and daily activities. It can also make it harder to keep a healthy weight or get regular exercise.
There are a variety of self-measurement surveys that will aid in determining the degree of fatigue you're feeling. These include the Fatigue Symptom Inventory and the Fatigue Severity Scale. Both require you to answer a series of questions regarding your emotional and physical functioning during the last month. Your answers are used to create a scoring system, with higher scores indicating more fatigue.
Difficulty sleeping
If you're having trouble sleeping, you may be depressed. Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or waking up often during the night, could hinder your ability to function throughout the day and may contribute to stress, fatigue, and weight gain.
Other physical signs of depression can include feeling of heaviness or weightiness stomach pain, abdominal or bloating discomfort as well as difficulty digesting food, reduced sexual desire or dysfunction, as well as appetite changes. In a recent study 69% patients treated for depression also reported physical symptoms.
Depression can also affect eyesight. The world may appear hazy or blurry. In some instances it is due to a change in the way the brain processes visual information. This can cause problems with reading, driving, or working with numbers.
A decrease in energy and fatigue as well as a lack of interest in pleasurable activities can make it difficult to keep up the routine of exercise. This can result in lower fitness and weight gain as well as a worsening of depression.
Many medical conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative diseases, can cause depression. Certain medications, like antipsychotics and neurotransmitter inhibitors, can also cause depression.
In certain cases depression may be triggered by an event in life or hormonal change. Menopausal, childbirth, and postpartum depression can all be associated with depressive episodes in a few women. Women who suffer from bipolar disorders may also experience depression symptoms, as well as manic episodes that are characterized by more activity and a greater feeling of elation.
If you are experiencing these physical symptoms of depression, it's important to see your primary care physician or a mental healthcare professional as quickly as possible. They will be able to assess your symptoms and recommend options for treatment, such as psychotherapy or medication. If your symptoms are severe, they might recommend a more extensive treatment plan, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or deep brain stimulation (DBS). Consult your physician to discuss the options available to you.
Headaches
It can be a challenge to identify, especially if it is not explained. Depression-related pain may occur anywhere on the body including the back and head. Usually, the pain associated with depression is mild to moderate and doesn't hinder everyday activities. Depression and pain are related because they share the same neurochemicals and pathways in the brain. The likelihood of pain is higher to accompany severe depressive episodes, and it may occur more frequently or last longer.
Headaches, especially cluster headaches, could be an indication that you are depressed. Cluster headaches are headaches that occur for a period of one to two months periods, usually in the same order every year. Cluster headaches are similar as regular headaches, but are more intense and last for longer. Pain in the chest and stomach can be an indication of depression as well as increased sweating and fatigue, as well as difficulty sleeping.
People with depression may feel less able to control their emotions and actions, and that can sometimes cause self-destructive behaviours such as drinking excessively or eating too much alcohol. signs and symptoms of depression in females might also have changes in their appetites, which can include cravings for food that aren't normal for them. Some people with depression experience digestive issues, such as diarrhea or constipation.
Muscle and back pain can be another symptom of depression. It's typically associated with poor posture or injuries. This type of pain is more prevalent in women. It can be aggravated by stress or certain foods. Depression is believed to cause back and muscle pain because it alters the nerve pathways that regulate both pain and mood receptors.
Other indicators of depression include changes in the voice, a slower movements, and involuntary movements such as fidgeting. Depression can also affect one's ability to focus, remember things and make decisions. No matter if your symptoms are emotional or physical you should schedule an appointment with your physician if you have been feeling these symptoms for a while. A health care professional can connect you to treatment options such as psychotherapy and medication.
Muscle Aches
Muscle aches are a common sign of depression. They can be painful. It is difficult to recognize depression when the first signs are vague aches and pains. The underlying connection between depression and pain is due to neurotransmitters, such as serotonin or norepinephrine. Dysregulation of these transmitters can result in depression and pain. The pain-depression link is also bidirectional. Chronic pain can make depression worse 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 might prescribe medication or recommend a specialized pain clinic.
Rhabdomyolysis can cause generalized muscle pains. This condition causes the loss of muscle tissue and the release of harmful substances into the bloodstream. This condition is often triggered by exercise that is too strenuous or certain medications, or by illicit drugs. Other types of muscle aches are fungal, viral or parasitic infections. These can be treated with antifungal, antiviral or antiparasitic drugs.
If you're experiencing generalized muscle pains, it's important to see your therapist or doctor for a complete evaluation. If your pains and aches stem from an underlying condition, your healthcare provider might suggest treatment that includes stretching, hydration and exercise. Aspirin and Ibuprofen are both prescription pain relievers available over the counter that can help ease the discomfort. If you think your aches and discomforts are caused by depression, consult your therapist or doctor to determine and treat the root causes.