Severe Depression Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms of severe depression typically include fatigue, sleep issues and pain. People with depression experience different effects however there are ways to deal with these symptoms and seek help if needed.
It's normal for everyone of us to feel sad or down at times, but if these feelings are persistent and disrupt your daily routine they could be a sign of depression. Certain people suffer from depression due to chronic stress.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a typical and severe sign of depression. It's a feeling of constant and unending fatigue even if you're getting enough sleep. Fatigue is also a side-effect of certain antidepressant drugs which is why you should discuss your symptoms with a physician.
There is no precise definition of fatigue, but it can be described as a constant feeling of fatigue that interferes with everyday activities. signs and symptoms of postnatal depression Iam Psychiatry of fatigue can include several other symptoms, including difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Other symptoms include muscle pain, changes to appetite and feelings of weakness. According to some studies, people with depression are more tired than people who do not suffer from the condition.
Some causes of fatigue, like excessive work, not eating a healthy diet, and excessive alcohol or drug usage, are obvious. Other causes of fatigue, like thyroid disorders, anemia and chronic kidney, liver, or lung disease, are not as obvious. Fatigue can be triggered by illnesses, infections, and vitamins and minerals. A deficiency in iron, for instance can trigger fatigue. However, it is easily treated by eating food rich in the mineral such as red meat and spinach.
Many people suffering from depression feel that they have no energy and feel too exhausted to accomplish anything. This can lead to issues at work, in relationships and in daily activities. It can be difficult to maintain a healthy body weight or to maintain regular exercise.
There are a variety of self-measurement questionnaires that can help you determine the amount of fatigue you're experiencing. They 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 over the past month. Your responses are used to establish an assessment system that scores you that will show higher scores as a sign of more fatigue.
Difficulty sleeping
If you have difficulty sleeping, you could be depressed. Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, or awakening often during the night, could hinder your ability to perform throughout the day. It may contribute to stress, fatigue, and weight gain.
Other physical symptoms of depression may include a feeling of weightiness or heaviness stomach pain, abdominal or bloating discomfort, difficulty digesting food, decreased sexual desire or dysfunction and appetite changes. In a recent study 69% of patients treated for depression also reported somatic 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 lead to difficulties with reading, driving or working with numbers.
Exercise can be difficult to sustain If you're exhausted, have low energy and lack interest in enjoyable activities. This could lead to a lower level of fitness, weight gain and depression.
A variety of medical conditions can cause depression, such as infectious diseases such as Hepatitis C or HIV cancer, heart disease and neurodegenerative disorders. Certain medications, like antipsychotics and neurotransmitter inhibitors, can cause depression as well.
In some cases depression may be triggered by an event in life or hormonal change. Depression is common among women who have experienced childbirth, pregnancy postpartum depression, menopause. Women who suffer from bipolar disorders may also experience depression symptoms, as well as manic episodes that are characterized by an increase in activity and a feeling of elation.
If you're experiencing the physical symptoms of depression, it's best to visit your primary physician or a mental health professional as soon as possible. They will be able to assess your symptoms and provide treatments such as psychotherapy or medication. If your symptoms are serious, they may suggest a more intense course of treatment, such as electroconvulsive (ECT) therapy or deep brain stimulation. Talk to your doctor to discuss the options available to you.
Headaches
Pain can be a difficult symptom to detect particularly when the pain is unprovoked. Depression-related pain may occur anywhere on the body, including the back and head. Depression-related pain is typically moderate to mild, and is not a problem for daily life. The two are connected because they have the same neural pathways and chemicals in the brain. Pain is more likely to occur in conjunction with severe depression episodes, and it may occur more often or last longer.
Headaches are a sign of depression, especially if they're cluster headaches. Cluster headaches are headaches that occur for up to two month periods, usually at the same time each year. Cluster headaches share similar symptoms like regular headaches, however they are more intense and last longer. The pain in the chest and stomach could be an indication of depression as can sweating that is increased and fatigue as well as trouble sleeping.
People who have depression are often less able to control their emotions and actions and can cause self-destructive behaviours such as drinking excessively or eating too much alcohol. There may be changes in their appetite, such as cravings for food that aren't typical for them. People with depression may experience digestive issues, such as diarrhea or constipation.
Muscle and back pain could be another symptom of depression. It's often associated with bad posture or injuries. The pain can be caused by stress or certain foods and is more frequent for women than men. Depression is thought to trigger back and muscle pain because it interferes with the nerve pathways that regulate 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. If you've been experiencing symptoms for a long period of time, it is important to make an appointment with a physician. A health care professional will help you find solutions such as psychotherapy or medications.
Muscle Aches
Muscle pains are a typical sign of depression. They can be painful. Aches and pains that are vague may be the first sign of depression to appear and are difficult to recognize. The root cause of depression and pain is related to neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Insufficient regulation of transmitters can lead to depression and pain. The pain-depression link is bidirectional. Depression can increase the severity of pain, and chronic pain can cause depression to worsen.
In many instances the pains and aches caused by depression can be alleviated with home remedies. Regular exercise, a healthy diet and adequate sleep can help manage pain and improve mood. If you are suffering from chronic pain, your doctor might prescribe medication or refer you to a specialized pain clinic.
Rhabdomyolysis can trigger generalized muscle pains. This condition triggers the breakdown of muscle tissue as well as the release of harmful substances in the bloodstream. This condition can be caused by overuse and certain medications or illicit drugs. Other forms of muscle aches include viral, fungal or parasitic conditions, which can be treated with antiviral, antifungal or antiparasitic medications.
If you're experiencing generalized muscle aches it is essential to visit your therapist or doctor for a complete evaluation. If your aches and pains result from an underlying issue, your healthcare provider might suggest treatment that includes stretching, hydration and exercise. The over-the-counter pain relief medications like ibuprofen or aspirin, may ease the discomfort. If you believe that your pains and discomforts are caused by depression, talk to your doctor or therapist to pinpoint and address the underlying causes.