While depression is characterized by a depressed or sad mood, that doesn’t always manifest as feelings. It often comes out in terms of physical complaints. And, even if the mood is there, physical symptoms are present as well.
There is an antidepressant commercial that says “Depression can hurt…” and it is very true. Whether or not their medication works for the symptoms, or works for everyone, there is no denying that there is definite bodily hurt that goes along with the emotional hurt of depression. These physical depression symptoms are detailed below:
Headaches: These may feel simply like tension headaches, but tension and stress feel worse when depressed. The headaches may persist, or go away to come back frequently. If you have migraines, they may seem much worse.
Stomachaches: It may feel like you have to get yourself to eat because your stomach feels upset. It can also feel like the stomach fluttering you get when nervous, but it doesn’t seem to be linked to a particular incident, and it doesn’t go away easily.
Digestive problems: in addition to the stomachaches, you may have constipation or diarrhea. You may also have nausea or increased heartburn or other indigestion symptoms.
Appetite changes: You may lose your appetite, which goes along with the stomachaches and nausea. Alternatively, you may find your appetite increases, and you crave carbohydrates – sweets or salty and fried food. This is especially common in Seasonal Affective Disorder, one form of depression.
Backaches and other muscular aches: This may be because of the tendency to hunch up when upset. Our postures get stooped a bit, and we don’t sit up in our chairs. This can put undue stress on our backs, shoulders, and neck. This can also happen with prolonged time in front of the computer, but it may feel more severe when depressed.
Overall bodily aches: There may be an overall feeling of achiness, as if you are coming down with the flu. In fact, you may notice your bad mood because of the pain and attribute it to the pain instead of attributing the pain to the bad mood.
Other chronic pain.
Sleeping problems: Insomnia is common with depression. Trouble getting to sleep, trouble staying asleep goes with the insomnia. On the flip side, you may find you want to sleep all the time. You may sleep more than 10 hours a day and still not feel completely rested.
Loss of energy: You may feel tired all the time, whether or not your sleep is affected. You may notice a feeling of being slowed down, and that it takes extra effort to do things that you once found easy.
Sexual problems: Lack or arousal, or inability to orgasm can be signs of depression. These are also common side effects of antidepressants.
Restlessness: You may feel agitated like you need to move around or can’t sit still.
Dizziness or lightheadedness.
Sometimes chest pain can also be part of depression, or at least made worse when you have depression.
Behavioral Symptoms
These aren’t strictly physical, but they aren’t purely emotional either. They are also symptoms that can be recognized by others and prompt them to ask if you are ok.
Reckless behavior: driving too fast, making poor money decisions.
Escapist behavior: spending more time, which can be perceived by others as too much, at work, on sports, or absorbed in a hobby, while pushing others away.
Infidelity or promiscuity: This may be especially true in men.
Uncharacteristic displays of anger or aggressiveness.
Substance abuse, including alcohol, recreational drugs, or even prescription medications.
Difficulty concentrating and getting work done.
Relationship problems or trouble in school for teens and children.
There are many other diseases that cause these symptoms. Some of those diseases, such as diabetes and chronic fatigue syndrome happen along with depression. It can be difficult to tease them apart at times. Also, chronic and/or severe health problems can not only cause physical symptoms, they can cause depression.
Only a doctor can listen and do tests to figure out where you symptoms come from. They will work to eliminate any other diseases that could be causing these symptoms. They will also be able to tell if you are suffering from more than one at the same time.
The diagnosis is just the first step. However, it is important because it steers treatment. And, there is treatment for depression, in many forms. The above symptoms, as well as the emotional symptoms of depression are serious and shouldn’t be dismissed. Help is available, seek it out if you need it.
If you have any questions, please leave me a comment below.
