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Physical Symptoms of Depression

Even though depression mainly affects your mental state, it can surely affect you physically, as well. See the physical symptoms of depression.

By Jacqueline HanikehPublished 6 years ago 5 min read
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There are numerous people across the world who suffer deeply with depression. And it's not a joking matter. There are individuals that got the mental condition through a really stressful situation, a cause, or the depression randomly appeared without a reason — it happens. And it's also frustrating, because depression literally controls your life. It's tough to handle, but with certain medications, focusing on clearing your mind, and doing activities that help, it's possible to overcome it.

Depression doesn't only affect your mental state, it also takes a toll on your physical health. Like I said before, it controls who you are. However, you don't have to allow it, there are ways to beat depressionlike using marijuana. Physically, you look drained — like the depression sucked the life right out of you. Pale, tired, and just... not you. See what other physical symptoms of depression there are, and conquer the evil thing from taking over your life once again.

Fatigue

When you're struggling with depression, you're also struggling with fatigue — it's one of the physical symptoms of depression. No matter how many hours you slept last night, the feeling of never getting a wink of sleep starts creeping up on you. Your energy levels completely escape your body, leaving you with extreme fatigue and feeling exhausted. Even activities that don't require much motion and energy leave you completely worn out. All that positive, energetic emotion you had before has disappeared and it can be tough to bring back.

Migraines

This is one of the main physical symptoms of depression — getting torturous headaches. Since depression comes from the brain, it's picking at it, leaving you with migraines. Migraines are seriously the worst. It's the type of pain that comes within and takes a while for it to go away. Once a migraine is gone, it will most likely return. If you're dealing with depression, you may also deal with migraines. It's like a package deal that no one wants.

Chest Pain

Having chest pain from this mental condition is like feeling a heavy weight settling right on top of your chest. Taking the time to focus on your breathing, inhaling and exhaling slowly can help with the chest pain. Since your chest area feels constricted, breathing assists with relaxing it. So, if you're fighting with chest pain, for a couple of minutes, focus on breathing slowly.

Digestive Problems

Did you know that your mental state can also affect your physical state, meaning your digestive system? Yes, this is also one among other physical symptoms of depression. You can start to feel a bit queasy in your stomach area and also have nausea forming from depression. You also might be either constipated or have diarrhea whenever you take a trip to the bathroom. How annoying? It's possible to control this by eating certain foods that can help your bowel moments.

Joint Pain

Similar to chest pain, joint pain is also one of the common physical symptoms of depression. Either knee, elbow, shoulder, or other joints in your body can be affected by depression. The weariness you deal with on a day-to-day basis from the mental condition can strain your joints and cause them to ache. Bending your knees or moving your shoulders can ache and feel worn out — that's why exercising is key here. Not only does exercising strengthen your muscles, it helps with joint pains, and being active can relieve you of the depression.

Loss of Appetite

Whenever some people are feeling down, food is the last thing they're thinking about. That's why those suffering from depression rarely have an appetite. The thought of food doesn't budge their stomachs, at all. Since the mind is so overwhelmed and occupied with depression, the brain doesn't gain any signals from the stomach, hinting that it's hungry — depression basically disconnected the wires. However, we all have to eat to gain energy and to stay alive. Try taking small bites, because a little food in your stomach is better than nothing.

Back Pain

Here's another one of the physical symptoms of depression — back pain. Yes, there's a lot of bone aching on this list, since depression literally affects you physically. Back pain hurts... tremendously. Switching from standing to sitting takes a few minutes to actually settle down and get comfortable — I've gone through it. And dealing with depression can include some terrible back pain. Again, exercising can heal back pain. So, try stretching a bit if you've been sitting down for a certain period of time — it helps.

Sleep Deprived

This is probably one of the bigger issues when it comes to physical symptoms of depression. Some people who are suffering with depression definitely lack sleep. Their mind is so occupied with the depression, that it keeps them awake for hours during the night. It's like trying to fight off a fly. Once you've gotten that fly out of sight, you become more comfortable. Attempting to clear out your thoughts does help with sleeping. Since depression is an actual clutter of thoughts in your head, clearing it all up and focusing on sleeping can do the trick.

Weight Loss

Since there are people who deal with depression who have a loss of appetite, it can lead to weight loss. This can be a dangerous aspect coming from the mental condition. Not being able to eat can make you lose energy, and become fragile and weak — basically the depression is eating the meat off of your bones. You slowly begin to lose weight, and it certainly isn't great for your health. Once again, try eating slowly and taking small bites to get food into your system.

Lightheadedness

Being lightheaded nearly all the time is another one of physical symptoms of depression. Since many people fighting depression don't have an appetite, the lack of food in your system can cause you to become lightheaded. And when you have no energy, you become tired and eventually, lightheaded. Being lightheaded can really affect your daily life, because it prevents you from going out. All you would want to do is lay down and beat the dizziness.

If you're struggling with depression — you're not alone. There are others who are walking the same path as you. Not only does it affect you mentally, but there are physical symptoms of depression, too. To overcome the mental illness, try eating slowly, taking deep breaths, exercising often, and attempt to clear your thoughts. But if things get too serious, go see your doctor on how to defeat depression.

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About the Creator

Jacqueline Hanikeh

Reading good literature plays a huge role in my life — and so does online shopping and wine.

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