People may know about the emotional symptoms of depression. When talking about depression, it is more likely to be associated with sadness, unhappiness, or hopelessness. However, patients with depression also have chronic pain or other physical symptoms.
If there is no obvious cause for pains or other discomforts, then they might be the result of depression. Sometimes, patients do not realize that physical symptoms are a part of depression and went to other doctors than psychiatrists.
These physical symptoms demonstrate that depression is a real disease more than “unhappiness”. It is important to remember these symptoms. They can also be signs of depression.
Aches and pains
Almost everyone has experienced these pains: headaches, back pains, migraines, stomach pains, and muscle aches. They are so common that could almost be triggered by any reason: bad posture, injuries, or just stresses. Why do they need to be caused by depression?
Well, if they occurred for no obvious cause, there is a high probability of depression. Aches and pains are common physical symptoms of depression, which spreads all over the body.
Many studies have proved it. For example, A 2017 study, published in the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, found a direct association with depression and backpains. Researchers also found there is a definite brain and stomach connection. According to Harvard Medical School, the brain has a direct effect on the stomach and can easily cause pain.
Fatigue
Exhaustion usually stems from stress. After getting a full night of rest, if people still feel tired, exhausted, irritable, and bland, or feel that getting up in the morning is extremely hard, even impossible, depression may be blamed.
Intense tiredness a common symptoms among people with depression. This kind of depression can affect people’s normal life. Patients may feel that they have no energy to do anything, accompanied by sadness and negative thinking.
Vision changing
In the eye of people with depression, the world may be blurry. According to Harvard health publishing, a 2010 research in Germany suggested that mental health may actually affect one’s eyesight.
It is an obvious symptom that can be easily detected. It is hard to ignore everything around you are becoming blurred. A pair of glasses may be helpful, but what is more important is realizing it is a warning signal given by the body for depression.
Other physical symptoms
Other physical symptoms of depression include indigestion, appetite, and weight changing, and decreased pain tolerance.
Our brains and digestive systems are strongly connected, which is why many people get stomachaches when stressed. Harvard Medical School researchers suggested that stomach discomfort like cramps, bloating, nausea, or constipation may be a sign of poor mental health.
Some people who experienced depression may end up losing a lot of weight from not eating or end up gaining weight from eating more than normal. And they have decreased pain tolerance (Perhaps it is a reason why they are suffering pains more).
It is very important to monitor the changes of the body whether you are suffering from depression or not. Any unusual changes can be a sign of some potential diseases. Pay attention to them, so that people can seek professional support in time.
