Depression Symptoms Physical
Many people think of depression as emotional symptoms like sadness, irritability and a sense of despair. Depression can also manifest in physical symptoms, such as fatigue, pain and changes to appetite.
These physical symptoms may not be enough to diagnose depression, which requires several persistent severe, long-lasting, and enduring symptoms for more than 2 weeks. But they can aid your doctor in evaluating you for the condition.
Loss of interest in the activities
Depression can cause you to lose interest in activities that once brought you happiness. It can also cause physical symptoms like joint and back pain, headaches or changes in appetite. You may feel tired all the time, even after having enough sleep. It can be hard to get up early in the morning, and you might feel that you're not worth it. These feelings can make you want to stay home and avoid social interaction. If you're experiencing these dark emotions, it's important to consult your physician.
Everyone experiences sadness at time or another in their lives, but especially after a major loss or disappointment. If your sadness lasts two weeks or more and is causing disruption in your daily life it is possible that you are suffering from depression.
A mental health professional will assess your symptoms and feelings to determine whether you are suffering from clinical depression (also called major depression disorders). Your evaluation will include a physical examination and laboratory tests to rule out an underlying medical problem. It will also include an psychiatric examination, in which your medical professional will ask you about your thoughts, feelings and behavior patterns. They will apply the criteria found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders which is published by the American Psychiatric Association, to determine if you are suffering from a mental disorder.
Depression is more common among women than men, but can affect anyone at any age. It can occur without or with the presence of a mental illness. Depression can also be caused by certain events, like the breakup of a relationship or ill health. Some medications can trigger depression. It's important to diagnose depression as it can be treated through psychotherapy and medications.
Fatigue
Fatigue can be felt throughout all of the body. Some people feel exhausted all the while, while others experience it intermittently. Fatigue may be in conjunction with other signs like difficulties in thinking or concentrating and eating, muscle aches and feelings of sadness.
Many people who experience fatigue as a result of depression also suffer from fibromyalgia, a condition that causes chronic fatigue and pain. This is due to a range of causes, including a chemical balance in the brain, which can trigger mood changes and physical symptoms like a burning or deep ache in the muscles or tingling in the legs or arms or sleeping.
Depression fatigue can make it difficult to function throughout the day. It can cause problems at work or school, strain relationships, and raise stress levels. Someone who is suffering from depression might benefit from speaking to an expert doctor.
During your appointment, your health care provider may inquire about your symptoms, sleep habits, levels of activity and other factors. A physical examination and laboratory tests can be ordered. Psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle modifications are all options for depression fatigue.
While it is crucial to discuss depression fatigue with a health professional however, you can combat this condition on your own. Engaging in activities you love and eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly can aid in boosting energy levels. Eliminating caffeine and alcohol can also help reduce fatigue. Some people find it beneficial to keep a journal or diary of their thoughts in order to recognize patterns that lead to fatigue and discover ways to prevent it from happening.
Headaches
Headaches are a typical sign of depression. The pain can be moderate to severe and make it difficult to function. The pain may be accompanied by other physical symptoms, including loss of appetite or weight loss. Headaches that are associated with depression could be primary headaches, like headaches with tension or migraines, or they may occur as a secondary complication, like cluster headaches.
The headaches associated with depression can be caused by a variety factors, such as fatigue, stress, and sleep problems. They could also be the result of other health issues, such as Irritable bowel syndrome. The pain may be due to hormonal changes, such as those during menopausal or puberty.
If you're experiencing headaches that are becoming worse or more frequent it is crucial to see your doctor. Your doctor will perform tests and examine the reasons behind your headaches. It is also essential to speak with your doctor about how you are experiencing your emotions. Some doctors are only concerned with physical symptoms, which could lead them to misdiagnose depression.
Having a headache alone is not an indication of depression. If you're experiencing additional physical symptoms in addition to headaches, for example, a fatigue or a lack of interest in your activities, it is likely that you are depressed. If you have been diagnosed with depression you will receive a treatment plan that includes a combination of therapies to help you feel better. Your doctor will also talk about ways to prevent depression from reoccurring. These could include lifestyle changes as well as prescription medications. Depression can also trigger vision changes such as blurred or dim vision. The reason for these vision changes is not yet fully known, but it could be due to the way that your brain processes emotions and information about pain.
Muscle pains
Depression may cause you to feel achy, particularly in your muscles. This is due to depression being able to impact your nervous system, which is responsible for sending and receiving pain signals throughout your body. Depression can alter the balance between certain neurotransmitters like serotonin, as well as norepinephrine. This can lead to changes in mood and pain. The connection between depression and pain is bidirectional. Depression could make you more sensitive, while high levels of pain can trigger depression-related feelings.
Fatigue can be another common physical symptom of depression. It's not just feeling exhausted, but a profound fatigue that can interfere with your daily activities and does not disappear after a take a break. It is also crucial to be aware that there could be underlying issues that are causing your fatigue. These could include digestive issues and irritable bowel syndrome and both are often caused by depression.
Muscle aches that are connected with depression are described as dull or aching. These aches may be constant or intermittent, and tend to be more severe when stressed. In some instances, these aches result from tension in the muscles and inflammation and can be caused by stress.
In general, getting plenty of sleep and taking pain relief over-the counter and applying a hot or ice compress when necessary is the best method to manage muscle pain and physical symptoms. Also, eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise can help improve mood and reducing pain. Certain antidepressant medications have been proven to reduce symptoms of depression including fatigue and pain. This includes tricyclic antidepressants from the past such as amitriptyline (Elavil) and the newest drugs like duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor). If you're struggling with pain or depression discuss with your doctor about your treatment options.
Weight loss
Depression can trigger a change in appetite. They may eat less and eventually lose weight. Some people may eat to soothe themselves, and gain 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 touch with reality, and this can lead to hallucinations and illusions. In some cases, the symptoms can be so severe that they can interfere with the daily routine and can cause suicidal thoughts. Psychotic depression is a term used to describe it. Women are more at risk of developing this kind of depression during pregnancy as well as the period following childbirth, which is also called the perinatal period.
It's important to understand that you can receive help for depression even if you are experiencing physical symptoms. A mental health professional can help you in finding the right treatment for your condition and you. The assistance you require is essential because it will improve your quality of life and increase your chances of recovery.
While most people who are depressed are aware of the emotional signs of depression, they might overlook or misunderstand physical symptoms. This could lead to people not getting the help they require.
It can be challenging to manage physical symptoms of depression, but it is crucial to treat the condition effectively. It is recommended to see your doctor if you've had these symptoms for more than two weeks. You may also talk to a Priory mental health specialist who can help you understand and manage your symptoms. They can offer you the assistance you require to recover.