The most well-known symptoms of depression are emotional, including sadness, guilt, irritability, and feelings of hopelessness. Other frequent symptoms, like trouble focusing or concentrating on tasks, are also thought of as being related to one’s state of mind. However, our mind and our body are intimately connected. Fewer people are aware that depression can also have a powerful effect on the body, giving rise to a number of distressing physical symptoms.
These are some common physical manifestations of depression:
Fatigue and Low Energy: Many people with depression report feeling tired or lacking energy, even after a full night's sleep which fails to refresh them.
Sleep Disturbances: This can include insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep) or hypersomnia (sleeping too much). Some may experience restless sleep or frequent waking. More severe depression is sometimes characterised by early morning wakening, where people regularly wake in the early hours of the morning and typically feel particularly low and negative.
Changes in Appetite: Depression can lead to significant weight loss or gain. Some individuals may lose their appetite, while others may overeat or crave unhealthy foods.
Body Aches and Pains: Unexplained physical pain, such as headaches, back pain, or muscle aches, is common in those with depression. These pains can be persistent and resistant to simple painkillers, but often reduce and disappear as the depression improves.
Digestive Issues: Some may experience gastrointestinal problems, such as stomachaches, constipation, or diarrhoea, often linked to changes in appetite and stress.
Psychomotor Agitation or Retardation: This refers to physical restlessness (like pacing) or noticeable slowing down of movements and speech.
Lowered Immune Function: Chronic depression can impact immune system function, potentially leading to increased susceptibility to illnesses.
Changes in Libido: Depression can result in a decreased interest in sexual activity, which can further affect relationships and emotional well-being.
Fatigue: Even simple tasks can feel exhausting, leading to a decline in physical activity.
Recognizing the physical symptoms above as an indicator that you may be depressed is important, as they can can sometimes be a marker of more severe depressive illness. They can significantly impact daily life and overall health and the presence of them is an indicator that medical advice should be sought, as antidepressant treatment is likely to be helpful at this stage.
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