The Ultimate Cheat Sheet On Physiological Symptoms Of Depression
Physiological Symptoms of Depression Depression can manifest in a variety of ways. Certain symptoms are more apparent than other. Depression is a condition that can be identified when the feelings of sadness or low mood are persistent and affect daily activities for a period of more than two weeks. Some people may experience physical symptoms, for example stomach discomfort. Fatigue Even healthy people who are getting enough sleep may feel tired, especially after a long workday or strenuous exercise. If the feeling is persistent and constant, it could indicate that you're depressed. Insomniac fatigue that is unavoidable can make it difficult to work or spend time with family and friends. If this is the case take a visit to your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. Depression-related fatigue can be caused by a variety of factors, including medication and illnesses, medical conditions or stress. If you are taking a new medication, ask your doctor about the adverse effects. If your medical condition is causing the fatigue, you may be able to seek treatment for it that will reduce your fatigue. Fatigue is also a sign of anemia, which occurs when your blood cells contain too little red blood cells, or hemoglobin, the protein that transports oxygen in the bloodstream. If you suffer from anemia, your doctor may prescribe iron supplements or suggest eating more foods high in iron. Depression is linked to the way your brain and body interact, and therefore some physical changes could be an indication of depression. For instance, you could notice that your movements and speech seem slower with more silences and a monotone voice. You may feel like your body is heavier or that your movements seem less strong. Another symptom that is often associated with depression is stomach discomfort. Depression can affect the way your body process and senses pain. You may have headaches that are more intense or last longer or chest or stomach discomfort. Depression can also affect the way your body feels pain from other sources such as a car accident or cancer. Some studies have shown that depression can also affect your vision. symptoms of depression for men who are depressed might see things that look hazy or out of focus. This is thought to be caused by the same area of your brain that is responsible for processing emotions. The underlying cause could be related to how nerve cells in the brain process emotional information, as well as signals of pain from your body. Sleep Problems Many people are unaware that depression can also cause physical symptoms. Fatigue, stomach upset and aches are all possible physical manifestations of depression.1 Sleep problems are common in people suffering from depression. It is possible that you have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep, or wake up often during the night, or wake up too early in the morning. There could be changes in your sleeping cycle, such as sleeping more during the day or sleeping late at the night. Sleepiness can be an indication of depression, and may increase the risk of having a recurrence, especially when it's persistent. Fatigue is a typical side effect of antidepressant medication however, it could also be caused by depression or by other conditions and illnesses. Consult your physician if you feel fatigued all the time to determine if it is related to depression. A lack of energy can make it difficult to focus and perform daily tasks. This is a typical sign of depression that can be difficult to treat yourself. To boost your energy levels, it is important to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Unexpected aches and pains like backaches, headaches or abdominal cramps can be a symptom of depression. The link between these pains and depression is thought to be due to a biological process that involves hormones and nerve pathways. In some instances depression can impact your ability to fight illnesses. The long-term stress of depression can cause a reduction in white blood cells, making you more vulnerable to illnesses and infections such as colds and flu. If you're depressed, communicating with others can be more difficult. Depression can cause a loss in enthusiasm for activities that normally bring pleasure and can cause you to speak slower and with less articulated. Some people with depression have difficulty maintaining eye contact or to maintain a normal facial expression. Changes in appetite Being hungry but needing to eat more is a typical sign of depression. When depressed, eating can be difficult. Some people gain weight, while others lose weight. These physical changes may be a sign of serious depression or could be a sign of bipolar disorder. The link between physical symptoms and depression is attributed to neurotransmitters which affect mood, pain threshold and sleep. In a depressive episode serotonin is in a state of imbalance, and this affects your ability to perceive pain and even how your body responds to pain. People who suffer from chronic back or other pain often report feeling more depressed. This is because they are under both physical and emotional stress, which can trigger negative feelings like sadness and hopelessness. Depression can cause people to feel irritable and stressed, which can lead to self-harm or even suicide. It is therefore important to seek treatment if you experience these symptoms as soon as you can. A medical professional will conduct an extensive medical examination to determine the reason for your symptoms. This will include a review of your family's medical and personal histories, and a physical examination. The evaluation will include lab and imaging tests to detect medical conditions that can mimic depression, including hormone imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, and neurological disorders. Many people don't realize they suffer from depression since the symptoms aren't apparent immediately and can be difficult to pinpoint. It can also be difficult for some to get help because they believe that their depression is “normal” or something that everyone goes through at some moment in time. Depression is a serious disease, and it can have a negative impact on a person's lifestyle and overall health. There are several things that increase the likelihood of having depression, including genetics, being exposed to trauma or violence experiences as a young person, or the repercussions of life events such as loss, bereavement, or unemployment. Some personal characteristics can also make you vulnerable. This includes low self-esteem and being easily overwhelmed by stressful situations. Pain Depression is a real condition, and it can cause many physical symptoms. Those symptoms can include a general feeling of depression or “down in the dumps,”” feelings of despair and sadness, as well as irritability discomfort and aches, trouble sleeping, and changes in eating. Depression can affect women and men of all ages, regardless of their economic status, culture or background. A common symptom of mood-related exhaustion is depression symptoms. Many people with the disorder experience sleep issues, which make them tired throughout the day. Some people may feel so exhausted that getting up becomes an impossible task. Some may notice that their energy levels are lower than normal, and they get sick easily or are prone to frequent colds. The stress of depression along with changes in appetite or weight may lower the immune system of a person and increase their risk of infection. People with depression may suffer from stomach, back or joint pain. They may also have a decline in their ability to focus or remember things. It isn't known the reason for these physical symptoms however depression can alter the way that the body processes information about pain. The brain's neural networks that regulate moods and emotions are connected to those that process information to detect physical pain. Depression could cause an imbalance in these areas. Depression can also be linked with a change in a person's vision. This can alter the clarity of one's eyesight, or cause an impression that things appear dull or lack contrast. Other indications of depression in the visual region include eye twitching and blurred vision. Inform your doctor about all physical symptoms you experience, even if they don't seem to be related to your mood. These symptoms are often caused by depression medications, so it's important to work with your physician to manage them.