The Physical Symptoms of
Depression
Depression has many physical symptoms that can be attributed to
it. Many of these signs and symptoms are also common to other
illnesses. It is important that these physical symptoms are
ruled out or the depression will be left untreated.
Aches and pains are a physical symptom of depression. When a
person is depressed their entire body can feel achy. Many
people report their bodies feel as if they have worked out
intensively in the gym or been beaten up.
Weight loss and weight gain are also a physical symptom of
depression. Many people will lose their appetites when they are
depressed. Not eating can result in a rapid weight loss. Other
people may gain a tremendous amount of weight when they are
depressed. Many of these people become inactive and use food as
a way to comfort themselves. This results in rapid weight
gain.
Constipation and diarrhea are also a physical symptom of
depression. Believe it or not, the stomach and brain are
connected. If you are depressed it can change the evacuation
process of your waste. Some people may have constipation, while
others may have diarrhea. Individuals who have Irritable Bowel
Syndrome may find that it is aggravated if they are
depressed.
Loss of sex drive is also a physical symptom of depression.
Many people lose their sex drive in part because they have a
low self image. They do not feel attractive and lose interest
in sexual activities. Men may suffer from
impotence.
Loss of energy is also a physical symptom of depression. People
who are depressed usually lose interest in life and activities
they once enjoyed. They may feel fatigued and doing the
smallest chore such as taking out the garbage or taking a
shower can seem like a climb up Mt. Everest.
Headaches and muscular tension can also be a physical symptom
of depression. Many people who have depression also have
anxiety problems. Stress and anxiety can lead to tension in the
scalp, neck and back.
If a person is suffering from an anxiety issue in addition to
their depression, they may have panic attacks. Panic attacks
are a physical symptom of depression and anxiety. People who
suffer anxiety attacks may become more depressed and withdrawn
for fear of more attacks.
No one should ever feel that depression is just a part of life.
Depression is treatable. With the aid of medication, and
possibly therapy, recover is possible. In fact, with treatment
nearly 80% of individuals can recover from their depression and
get back to living their lives without the monkey on their
back.
Some people can overcome their depression without medication.
If medication is a concern and something you do not want to do,
you can start out with therapy. Other people choose to take
medication but have no interest in therapy. Whatever you
choose, it is important that you start doing something to help
your depression. Talk with your doctor. Tell him your concerns
and together you can find a plan that will suit you and your
lifestyle.
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