The Biggest Problem With Severe Depression Physical Symptoms, And How You Can Fix It

Severe Depression Physical Symptoms Severe depression physical symptoms often include fatigue, difficulty sleeping and pain. Depression is different for everyone, but there are many ways to deal with the symptoms and seek assistance when needed. It's common for us to feel down or sad occasionally but if they continue and become a problem in our daily routine, this could be an indication of depression. People who suffer from depression are often because of long-term stress. Fatigue Fatigue is a typical and severe symptom of depression. It feels like a persistent and unending fatigue even if you're sleeping well. Fatigue can also be a result of certain antidepressant medications which is why it's essential to discuss your symptoms with your doctor. There's no definitive definition of fatigue, but it's typically described as a feeling of fatigue that lasts for a prolonged period of time, and is disruptive with your daily activities. Fatigue may be accompanied by other symptoms that include difficulty falling asleep or sleeping and muscle discomfort, changes in appetite and feelings of weakness or inability to exercise or move. Some studies have found that people with depression are more tired than those without the condition. Some causes of fatigue are obvious, like being overworked, not eating a balanced diet, or excessive drinking or drug use. However www.iampsychiatry.com of fatigue aren't as clear and may include thyroid disease, anemia or chronic liver, kidney or lung conditions. The cause of fatigue can be infections, illness and certain minerals and vitamins. A deficiency in iron, for instance can trigger fatigue. However, it is easily treated by eating food rich in the mineral such as red meat and spinach. Many people with depression are exhausted and feel as if they lack the energy or motivation to do anything. This can cause problems at work, with relationships and in daily activities. It can also make it more difficult to maintain a healthy weight and regularly exercise. You can take advantage of a variety of self-measurement surveys to determine the degree of fatigue you're feeling. These include the Fatigue Symptom Inventory and the Fatigue Severity Scale. Both require you to answer questions about your physical and emotional functioning in the last month. Your answers are used to create an assessment system, with higher scores indicating more fatigue. Difficulty Sleeping If you're having difficulty sleeping, you could be depressed. Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, or waking up often during the night, can interfere with your ability to perform throughout the day. It could cause fatigue, irritability and weight gain. Other physical symptoms include a feeling or feeling of weight or heaviness stomach pain or bloating, difficulty in digesting food, a decreased desire for sexual activity or dysfunction and changes in appetite. In a recent study 69% patients treated for depression also reported physical symptoms. Depression can also affect the eyesight. The world can appear blurred or hazy. This could be due an alteration in the way your brain processes visual data. This could cause difficulties with reading, driving or working with numbers. A decrease in energy, fatigue and 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 a worsening of depression. Many medical conditions can trigger depression, which includes infectious diseases like hepatitis C or HIV cancer, heart disease and neurodegenerative disorders. Certain medications can also trigger depression, including antipsychotics and some neurotransmitter inhibitors. In some instances depression may be brought on by an event in life or hormonal changes. Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and postpartum depression can all be associated with depression-related episodes in certain women. Bipolar disorder sufferers may also experience depressive episodes, and manic episodes characterized by more activity and a greater sense of elation. If you're experiencing the physical symptoms of depression, it's best to visit your primary physician or a mental health professional as soon as you can. They will be able to evaluate your symptoms and suggest treatment options like psychotherapy or medication. If your symptoms are serious, they may suggest more intensive treatment such as electroconvulsive (ECT) therapy or deep brain stimulation. Consult your physician to discuss your options. Headaches Pain can be a very difficult symptom to detect, especially when the pain is not explained. Pain related to depression can be felt anywhere in the body including the back and head. Usually, the pain associated with depression is moderate to mild and doesn't hinder everyday activities. Depression and pain are linked because they have the same neural pathways and chemicals within the brain. The likelihood of pain is higher to be associated with depression that is severe, and it can recur frequently or last longer than you expected. Headaches, particularly cluster headaches, can be an indication that you are depressed. These are headaches that usually occur for one to two months at a time, generally around the same time each year. The symptoms of cluster headaches are similar to a regular headache, however they are more severe and last longer. The discomfort in the stomach or chest can be a sign that you are depressed, along with more sweating, fatigue and sleeplessness. People with depression are often less in control of their moods and behaviors, and that can sometimes result in self-destructive behavior like overeating or drinking too much alcohol. There may be changes in their appetite, including cravings for food that aren't normal for them. Some people with depression experience digestive problems, such as constipation or diarrhea. Back and muscle pain is another symptom of depression. It is often linked to bad posture or injuries. The pain can be caused by stress or certain food items and is more frequent in women than males. Depression is thought to trigger back and muscle pain since it interferes with the nerve pathways that regulate both pain and mood receptors. Other signs of depression are changes in the voice, slowness of movements, and involuntary actions like fidgeting. Depression can also make it difficult to concentrate and remember things, and some people have trouble making decisions. No matter if your symptoms are emotional or physical you should schedule an appointment with a doctor when you've been experiencing these symptoms for a while. A health care specialist can assist you in connecting to treatment options such as psychotherapy and medication. Muscle Aches Muscle aches are a common sign of depression. They can be painful. Vague aches and pains could be the first signs of depression to appear which makes it difficult to diagnose. The connection between pain and depression is linked to neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine. Dysregulation of these transmitters can cause depression and pain. The link between depression and pain is bidirectional. Chronic pain can trigger depression and depression can cause chronic pain to become worse. Many of the aches and discomforts that depression causes can be treated at home. Exercise, a proper diet and adequate sleep can help manage the pain and improve mood. If you suffer from chronic pain, you may be prescribed medication by your doctor or directed to an acupuncture clinic. Generalized muscle aches could be a sign of rhabdomyolysis, a condition that causes the breakdown of muscle tissue and release of harmful substances into the bloodstream. This condition can be caused by over-strengthening exercise or certain medications, or by illicit drugs. Other types of muscle aches include viral, fungal or parasitic infections, which can be treated with antifungal, antiviral or antiparasitic medications. If you're experiencing generalized muscle aches, it's important to see your doctor or therapist for a complete evaluation. If your aches and pains result from an underlying issue Your healthcare professional may recommend treatment including stretching, hydration and exercise. Pain relievers that are available over-the-counter, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, can help with the discomfort. If you feel that your pains and aches are caused by depression, speak to your doctor or therapist about identifying and addressing root causes that cause the symptoms.