Physical symptoms of depression: hunger, sleep, pain

The mind and body are often talked about as two separate entities. However, they are interconnected and one has a significant impact on the other. People with depression experience emotional changes such as sadness, but they may also experience a variety of physical symptoms. Pain, fatigue, and changes in appetite are all very real symptoms of depression.

This article explains the possible physical symptoms of depression. We will also explain how to support your body.

Physical depression symptoms and how they feel

Depression is known for causing feelings of sadness and helplessness. However, that’s not the only symptom. Depression also causes very real physical symptoms that cause significant distress to people with depression.

To learn more about the physical symptoms of depression, read on.

pain

People with depression may suffer from unexplained pain or headaches that do not go away even with treatment. There are two reasons why depression and pain often occur together.

The first reason is that pain and depression signals occur in the same area of ​​the brain. The areas that interpret pain are the same areas of the brain that manage mood.

The second reason is that the neurotransmitters serotonin and noradrenaline are involved in both pain and depression.

In 2015, researchers found that patients with major depression had lower pain tolerance and pain thresholds. Another study in 2017 discussed how chronic pain can cause depression. She further explained that up to 85% of people with chronic pain suffer from severe depression.

Malaise

People with depression may feel weak, have low energy, and feel tired. You may find it difficult to manage daily life, work, and go to school. In fact, 90% of people with depression report symptoms of fatigue.

Not only is fatigue a common symptom of depression, but fatigue often lingers even after treatment begins. This is a symptom of depression that is difficult to resolve and can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to live.

gastrointestinal problems

Your gut knows what’s going on in your brain. When you’re nervous or anxious, you may feel nauseous or feel like you have butterflies in your stomach. This is because the brain and intestines interact through a two-way communication called the brain-gut axis.

Research shows that gut health is associated with many physical and psychological conditions, including depression. Because of the interrelationship between the gut and depression, people experiencing depression can develop significant intestinal and stomach symptoms. These symptoms include:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• constipation
• abdominal pain

Immune system dysregulation

There is a close relationship between depression and immunity. When someone feels depressed or stressed, their immune system can become more active. This may be due to human evolution. When a person is placed in a stressful situation, the body engages in the fight-or-flight response. This response also stimulates the immune system.

Researchers believe the relationship between the immune system and depression is bidirectional. Depression increases the likelihood of autoimmune diseases, and autoimmune diseases increase the likelihood of developing depression.

change in appetite

Depression changes a person’s mood and may also increase or decrease appetite.

Changes in appetite are one of the most common symptoms of depression. 48% of adults with depression have symptoms of decreased appetite, while 35% of depressed patients have increased appetite.

Researchers suggest that these changes may be due to overactivity or inactivity in areas of the brain that support feelings of reward and incentive.

Physical signs of depression in others

The physical signs of depression vary from person to person. It’s important to know these signs to recognize depression in a loved one. Here are some things to look out for to identify depression in others:

Why does depression affect the body?

Depression may seem to some people to be a condition that only affects the mind. However, the mind and body are connected and cannot be separated.

When someone experiences a significant change in their mental health, the body can react in different ways. Neurotransmitters associated with depression are also present in the gut, which is why many people with depression experience stomach problems.

Supporting the body with depression

When you have depression, you can experience very real physical symptoms that can have a big impact on your life. The first step to supporting your body is to talk to your health care provider. To feel better, you need to receive proper depression treatment.

Another way to support your body when you’re dealing with depression is to take care of yourself as best you can. This may include:

• healthy eating habits
• exercise regularly
• regular sleep time
• connect with other people
• Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and drugs

A word from Berrywell

Depression feels different for everyone and can affect every part of your body. For some, it feels like an emptiness similar to heartache or exhaustion, and for others, it feels like a heavy, unrelenting weight that cannot be shaken off.

summary

Depression is a common mental health condition that causes significant changes in the mind and body. People with this condition may experience pain, nausea, and fatigue, as well as feelings of sadness and helplessness. These physical symptoms are very real and need to be addressed by your health care provider.