Severe Depression Physical Symptoms
Severe depression physical symptoms often include sleeplessness, fatigue and pain. Depression is a different experience for everyone, however there are many ways to cope with the symptoms and seek help when needed.
It's normal for everyone of us to feel depressed or low sometimes however if the feelings are persistent and interfere with daily life they could be a sign of depression. People can may also suffer from depression due to long-term stress.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common and serious sign of depression. Even when you get enough rest, it can feel like constant and incessant fatigue. It can also be an effect of certain antidepressant drugs and you should talk about your symptoms with a physician.
There is no precise definition of fatigue, but it is described as a persistent feeling of fatigue that causes problems with daily activities. Fatigue can be accompanied by various other symptoms like difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Other symptoms include muscle pain, changes in appetite, and feelings of weakness. Some studies have found that those suffering from depression experience more fatigue than others who do not suffer from the condition.
Some causes of fatigue, including working too much, not eating a balanced diet, and excessive drinking or drug use are well-known. Other causes of fatigue, including thyroid disorders, anemia, chronic kidney, liver or lung disease are less apparent. Fatigue is usually caused by infections, illnesses and certain minerals and vitamins. A deficiency in iron, for instance can trigger fatigue. However, it can be easily treated with a diet that are rich in minerals like red meat and spinach.
Many people with depression are exhausted and feel as if they lack the energy or motivation to do anything. Iampsychiatry can cause issues at work, in relationships and in day-to-day activities. It can be difficult to keep a healthy weight or to get regular exercise.
There are a variety of self-measurement tests that can aid in determining the degree of fatigue you're feeling. The Fatigue Severity Scale and the Fatigue Severity Inventory are two among the most popular. Both require you to answer a series of questions regarding your emotional and physical functioning during the past month. Your answers are used to create a scoring system which will give you higher scores, which indicate more fatigue.
Difficulty Sleeping
If you are having trouble sleeping, you may be depressed. If you're having difficulty falling asleep, sleeping through the night, or awakening often during the night, it can affect your ability to function throughout the day. It can cause anxiety, fatigue, and weight increase.
Other physical symptoms of depression may include a feeling of weightiness or heaviness, stomach pain, abdominal or bloating discomfort and difficulty digesting food, decreased sexual desire or dysfunction, and appetite changes. In an investigation, 69 percent of patients diagnosed with depression experienced physical symptoms in addition to a depressed mood.
Depression can also affect the eyesight. The world may appear hazy or blurry. This can be due to a change of how the brain processes visual data. This can lead to difficulties in reading, driving, or working with numbers.
A loss of energy and fatigue as well as an absence of enthusiasm for enjoyable activities can make it difficult to keep up an exercise routine. This could lead to a lower fitness level and weight gain, as well as depression.
Many medical conditions, like cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative diseases, can cause depression. Certain medications, like antipsychotics and neurotransmitter inhibitors, can also trigger depression.
In certain cases depression can be triggered by an event in the life or hormonal change. Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and postpartum depression are all associated with depressive episodes in some women. Bipolar disorder sufferers may also experience depressive episodes and manic episodes that are associated with more activity and a greater sense of elation.
If you are experiencing these physical symptoms of depression, it is important to see your primary care physician or a mental health professional as soon as possible. They'll be able assess your symptoms and offer treatments like psychotherapy or medication. If your symptoms are serious, they might suggest an additional intensive course of treatment such as electroconvulsive (ECT) therapy or deep brain stimulation. Talk to your doctor about your options and how to manage these symptoms, so that you can remain on the path to recovery.
Headaches
The symptom of pain is difficult to recognize, particularly when it isn't explained. The pain that is caused by depression usually occurs in the back or head, but can also occur throughout the body. Typically, pain from depression is moderate to mild and doesn't affect daily activities. Depression and pain are related because they share the same neuronal pathways and chemicals in the brain. The likelihood of pain is higher to accompany severe depression, and may reoccur frequently or last for longer than anticipated.
Headaches can be an indication of depression, particularly if they are cluster headaches. These are headaches that generally occur for one to two months at a time, generally at the same time every year. Cluster headaches are similar to regular headaches, but are more intense and last for longer. The discomfort in the stomach or chest can indicate that you are depressed, and also increased sweating, fatigue and sleeplessness.
Depression can make people feel that they are not in complete control over their emotions and actions. This could lead to self destructive behaviors such as drinking excessively or eating too much. Some people suffering from depression might also notice changes in their appetites, for example, cravings for food that are not normal for them. Certain people who suffer from depression have digestive issues, like diarrhea or constipation.
Back and muscle pain can be a sign of depression, and it's usually associated with poor posture or injuries. The pain can be caused by stress or certain food items and is more prevalent for women than men. Depression can cause back and muscle pain because it alters nerve pathways that regulate the pain and mood receptors.
Other signs of depression include changes in a person's voice, slowness of movements, and purposeless movement such as fidgeting or the habit of pacing. Depression can also affect the ability to concentrate, remember things, and make decisions. If you've been suffering from symptoms for a prolonged period it's important to schedule an appointment with a physician. A health specialist can assist you in connecting to treatment options including psychotherapy and medication.
Muscle Aches
Muscle pains are a typical sign of depression. They can be painful. It can be difficult to diagnose depression when the initial signs are not obvious aches and pains. Neurotransmitters such serotonin or norepinephrine are the reason for the link between depression and pain. Dysregulation of these transmitters can cause depression and pain. The pain-depression link is also bidirectional. Chronic pain can cause depression to become more severe and depression may make chronic pain worse.
In many instances, the aches and pains caused by depression can be cured by using home remedies. A healthy diet, exercise and adequate sleep can boost mood and reduce pain. If you are suffering from chronic pain, you may be prescribed medicine by your physician or directed to an area pain clinic.
Rhabdomyolysis can trigger 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 can be caused by excessive exercise, certain medications, or illicit drugs. Other forms of muscle pain include parasites, fungi, or viral infections. These can be treated with antibiotics, antivirals or antiparasitic medications.
If you're experiencing generalized muscle pains it is essential to visit your therapist or doctor for a thorough assessment. If the pains and aches are related to an underlying illness your doctor will recommend treatment, including stretching, exercises and hydration. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, can help with the discomfort. If you suspect that your pains and discomforts are caused by depression, consult your doctor or therapist to identify and manage the root causes.