Physical Symptoms of Depression Depression can manifest in a variety of different ways both physically and emotionally Fatigue is among the most common physical signs of depression It's also a sign of pain, whether it's headache, backache or any other body aches If your ***** feels sad or down most of the time, it's worth a talk with a healthcare professional about it Depression can cause serious harm Difficulty sleeping and fatigue Depression can cause a lack of energy and can make it difficult to sleep well Fatigue is a common side effect of many antidepressant medications, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors SNRIs and tricyclic antidepressants If your fatigue is related to these medications, or another condition such as seasonal affective disorder, speak with your doctor about changing your dose or switching medication Fatigue can also be a sign of other health conditions such as chronic illness or vitamin deficiencies It can be helpful to consult your physician when you're experiencing chronic fatigue, particularly if it interferes with your daily routine and doesn't improve with rest or healthy eating habits It's normal to feel tired after a long night or during periods of high stress, but if fatigue is a recurring symptom of depression it may be a sign of an underlying issue that requires treatment Depression can lead to a loss of interest in activities that used to make you feel motivated or happy and make it difficult to sustain regular exercise and activity This can result in poor physical fitness, weight changes and a decrease in energy levels Aches and pains are typically an indication of depression since they are associated with both emotional and physiological symptoms The connection between pain and depression is believed to be triggered by a bidirectional feedback loop, with bodily inflammatory chemicals, like cytokines, causing to depression and pain Depression can cause a person to have a reduced desire to eat, which could result in weight increase Sometimes, a loss of appetite is caused by vomiting or nausea, which can make it difficult to eat In extreme cases, depression may cause dehydration and malnutrition If you are concerned that you or someone you love is suffering from depression, it's crucial to consult your doctor It's likely that you'll be taken to a specialist who can assist you in determining the best treatment options for your specific health condition To establish the diagnosis your healthcare professional will ask you questions about your physical and mental health They can also conduct a physical examination and ask about your diet, lifestyle and medication use Headaches Depression is a mood disorder that affects both mind and body It can manifest as physical symptoms like fatigue and pain that people might not think of as a sign of the condition It is also important to note that different cultures may perceive and experience depression differently For instance there are some Asian American people describe and consider depression to be primarily physical rather than emotional This can influence the treatment they seek and the care they receive Headaches are one of the most common physical symptoms of depression Depression-related headaches tend to be less severe than migraines and are often treated with over-the-counter medication Headaches may be triggered by a variety of causes such as stress, poor sleeping habits or an alteration in the diet They could be a sign of an underlying condition like IBS or digestive illness Depression can also cause or worsen other forms of pain, including backaches and muscle aches The same nerve pathways that affect your mood also affect your body parts that experience pain Depression can reduce your tolerance to pain and make you more sensitive to pain It can also cause the pain to last longer and cause problems with your ability to function Aches and pains can make it difficult to focus on tasks and prevent you from engaging in sports, activities, or hobbies you normally enjoy If you have these symptoms, consult your doctor or mental health professional right away They can assist you in finding treatments that will make you feel better Everyone feels sad or "down in the dumps" at times, but if these feelings persist throughout the day and nearly every day, and dramatically affect your daily life, you could be depressed Seek a diagnosis from your GP when you experience these symptoms If you are unable to visit your GP talk to a trusted family member, friend or a religious leader another person If you are considering suicide, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately Muscle Aches Depression is usually accompanied by a combination physical and mental symptoms This is due to the way the body and brain interact Depression is usually associated with fatigue and pain Achy joints and vague aches and discomforts can also be a sign Although it's normal to feel down at times, feeling depressed is a more severe feeling than sadness that is fleeting Depression lasts longer and affects every aspect of daily life The most frequent kind of depression is known as major depressive disorder, which is the case when a person feels depressed or depressed nearly every day for at least two weeks This type of depression can be accompanied by other signs like sleep problems or a lack of interest in certain activities Other forms of depression include seasonal affective disorder when symptoms change with the seasons and persistent depressive disorder which is less severe, but lasts at least 2 years, and psychotic depression Psychotic depression is a form of depression that can trigger hallucinations, as well as other symptoms that mimic schizophrenia Depression can make it difficult to exercise or eat healthily and can cause pain that is worse https//wwwiampsychiatrycom/depression-symptoms can also cause inflammation, which makes the body more sensitive to pain People with depression are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, drinking excessively or not getting enough sleep In addition, many of the underlying disorders that cause depression can also cause chronic pain, for example, arthritis or fibromyalgia A therapist can treat depression and its physical symptoms such as muscle pain There are things that can be done at home, like getting enough rest, exercising regularly, reducing stress and practicing yoga or meditation A healthy diet and drinking plenty of water can also help If home remedies don't help it's best to speak with a doctor They can prescribe medication and offer treatment options, or refer you to a specialist when needed It's also a good idea to try to warm up and cool down prior to exercise, and to stretch your muscles as much as you can throughout the day Digestive Issues Depressed people often have gastrointestinal issues This can include feeling nauseous or constipation, as well as diarrhoea This is because depression affects the way a person reacts to stress In addition, the lack of energy that comes with depression means a person is less likely to eat and this could result in weight loss or gain, dependent on the circumstances Some depression symptoms have a physical cause, such as heart disease Depression triggers the body's stress hormones to increase and can cause your blood pressure to increase and tighten your arteries This increases your risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, also known as CVD Depression can also affect your immune system, which can make you more prone to infections and illness Many people don't recognize depression as a physical manifestation because they are focused on the mental and emotional feelings of sadness, hopelessness and despair But if you have persistent, unexplained physical symptoms that interfere with your daily life and don't improve with time, you should see your doctor A medical professional will evaluate your symptoms to determine if they are caused by a physical issue such as a vitamin deficit or hormonal imbalance or neurological issue The medical professional will then consider these factors and recommend a treatment plan A doctor will ask you questions about your present and past mental and physical health, and will also perform a physical exam to determine if there are other causes of your symptoms, such as thyroid disease or vitamin deficiencies In some cases it is possible to conduct lab tests or imaging tests to identify medical conditions that may be a cause of depression Certain depression treatment options include the use of a variety of medications to help improve mood and relieve physical symptoms Other treatments include lifestyle changes like eating healthy and reducing triggers of pain Talk therapy is a key part of treatment for depression because it can help you learn new coping and relaxation techniques In certain instances, the use of alcohol or drugs to reduce symptoms of depression could be an indication