Severe Depression Physical Symptoms
The physical manifestations of depression that are severe include fatigue, sleep issues and pain. Depression is a different experience for everyone, however there are many ways to deal with the symptoms and seek out help should you need it.
It's normal for everyone of us to feel depressed or low sometimes however if the feelings persist and cause disruption to your daily life, they may indicate depression. Some people experience depression because of long-term stress.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a frequent and severe sign of depression. It feels like a persistent and unending fatigue even if you're sleeping enough. Fatigue can also be an effect of certain antidepressant drugs, so you should discuss your symptoms with your doctor.
There is no exact definition of fatigue, but it can be described as a constant feeling of fatigue that interferes with everyday activities. The symptoms of fatigue can include several other symptoms, including difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Other signs include muscle pain, changes to appetite and a feeling of weakness. According to some studies those suffering from depression are more exhausted than those without the condition.
Certain causes of fatigue, such as excessive work, eating a healthy diet, and excessive drinking or drug use are well-known. Other causes of fatigue, like thyroid disorders, anemia and chronic liver, kidney or lung disease are not as obvious. The cause of fatigue can be illnesses, infections and certain vitamins and minerals. For example iron deficiency may cause fatigue, but it's treated by eating more foods that contain the mineral like red meat, spinach, and fish.
Many people with depression feel exhausted and as if they lack the energy to do anything. This can cause difficulties at work, in relationships and in daily activities. It can also make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight and regularly exercise.
You can use several self-measurement questionnaires to determine the severity of fatigue you are experiencing. These 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 last month. Your answers are then used to create an assessment score and higher scores indicate higher levels of fatigue.
Trouble sleeping
If you're having difficulty sleeping, you could be depressed. If you're having difficulty falling asleep, getting to sleep, or waking frequently during the night, it could affect your ability to function throughout the day. It may cause fatigue, irritability, and weight growth.
Other physical signs of depression can include feeling of weightiness or heaviness, stomach pain, bloating or abdominal distention, difficulty digesting food, decreased sexual desire or dysfunction and appetite changes. In an investigation that included 69% of patients who were treated for depression reported somatic symptoms, in addition to a mood depressed.
Depression can also affect the eyesight. The world may appear hazy or blurry. In some instances it is due to a change in how the brain processes visual information. This could cause you to be unable to read, drive or working with numbers.
A decrease in energy and fatigue as well as an inability to engage in pleasurable activities can make it difficult to stick to an exercise routine. This can lead to poorer fitness and weight gain, as well as an increase in the severity of depression.
Many medical conditions can trigger depression, which includes infections like Hepatitis C or HIV cancer, neurodegenerative disorders and heart disease. Certain medications, like antipsychotics and neurotransmitter inhibitors, can also trigger depression.
Depression can be triggered by a life-changing event or hormonal changes. Depressive episodes are common in women who have had a childbirth experience, pregnancy postpartum depression, menopause. Bipolar disorder sufferers may also experience depressive episodes, and manic episodes that are associated with an increase in activity and a greater sense of elation.
If you're experiencing these physical symptoms of depression, you must see your primary care doctor or a mental health professional as soon as possible. They'll be able to evaluate your symptoms and recommend treatment options such as psychotherapy or medication. If your symptoms are severe, they may recommend a more intense course of treatment such as electroconvulsive (ECT) therapy or deep brain stimulation. Discuss with your doctor the options available and how to manage these symptoms, so that you can remain on the path to recovery.
Headaches
Pain can be a very difficult symptom to detect particularly when the pain is not explained. severe depression physical symptoms Iampsychiatry that is caused by depression often occurs in the back or head however, it can also manifest throughout the body. Usually, the pain associated with depression is mild to moderate and doesn't interfere with everyday activities. Depression and pain are linked because they share the exact same neurochemicals and pathways within the brain. Pain is more likely to occur in conjunction with severe depression episodes, and it may occur more frequently or last for longer.
Headaches are a sign of depression, especially if they're cluster headaches. Cluster headaches are headaches that happen for up to two month intervals, typically at the same time every year. The symptoms of cluster headaches are similar to a regular headache, but they are more severe and last longer. The discomfort in the stomach or chest can indicate that you're depressed, and also increased sweating, fatigue and trouble sleeping.
Depression can make people feel as if they have less control over their emotions and actions. This can lead to self destructive behavior such as drinking excessively or eating too much. There may be changes in their appetite, including cravings for food that aren't typical for them. Some people with depression have digestive issues, such as diarrhoea or an indigestion.
Muscle pain and back pain is another symptom of depression. It is often linked to bad posture or injuries. This type of pain can be made worse by stress or certain foods and is more frequent in women than men. Depression is believed to cause back and muscle pain since it alters the nerve pathways that regulate both pain and mood receptors.
Other signs of depression are changes in the voice, a slower movements, and involuntary actions like fidgeting. Depression can also affect the ability to concentrate, remember things, and make decisions. If you've been experiencing symptoms for a prolonged period it is crucial to make an appointment with your doctor. A health care professional will assist you in finding treatment options like psychotherapy or medication.
Muscle Aches
Muscle pains can be extremely painful and a common symptom of depression. Vague aches and pains may be the first sign of depression to appear which makes it difficult to diagnose. The underlying connection between depression and pain is due to neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Insufficient regulation of transmitters can lead to depression and pain. The pain-depression connection is also bidirectional. Depression can cause pain to become more severe and chronic pain may cause depression to worsen.
In many instances the pains and aches caused by depression can be cured with home remedies. A healthy diet, exercise and enough sleep can improve mood and ease pain. If you are suffering from chronic pain, your physician may prescribe medication or refer you to a specialist pain clinic.
Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that can cause generalized muscle pains. This condition triggers the destruction of muscle tissue and the release of harmful substances in the bloodstream. This condition is often triggered by exercise that is too strenuous or certain medications, or by illicit drugs. Other forms of muscle pain include parasites, fungi or viral infections. They can be treated with antibiotics, antivirals or antiparasitic medicines.
If you experience generalized muscle pain, it is essential to speak with your doctor or therapist. If your pains and aches result from an underlying issue Your healthcare professional might suggest treatment that includes stretching, hydration, and exercises. Ibuprofen and aspirin are prescription pain relievers available over the counter that can help ease discomfort. If your aches and pains are caused by depression, speak to your therapist or doctor about identifying and managing the causes that contribute to the symptoms.