What Freud Can Teach Us About Severe Depression Physical Symptoms
Severe Depression Physical Symptoms
Severe depression can cause physical symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and difficulty sleeping. Depression is different for everyone, but there are many ways to cope with the symptoms and seek help if necessary.
It's normal for all of us to feel sad or depressed at times however if the feelings are persistent and cause disruption to your daily life it could indicate depression. Some people experience depression because of long-term stress.
Fatigue
Fatigue is among the most frequent and severe symptoms of depression. Even when you get enough sleep, it can feel like a constant and unrelenting fatigue. It can also be a side-effect of certain antidepressant medications, so you should discuss your symptoms with your doctor.
There's no precise definition of fatigue, but it's generally described as a feeling of fatigue that lasts for a long period of time, and is disruptive with your everyday life. Fatigue can be accompanied by several other symptoms such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Other signs include muscle pain, changes to appetite and feelings of weakness. According to studies, people suffering from depression are more tired than those without the condition.
The causes of fatigue can be obvious, like being stressed and not eating a balanced diet and excessive alcohol or drug use. However other causes of fatigue are less apparent and could be due to anemia, thyroid disease or chronic liver, kidney or lung disorders. Fatigue is usually caused by diseases, infections and vitamins and mineral supplements. For instance, iron deficiency, can cause fatigue. However, it can be easily treated by eating food high in minerals such as red meat and spinach.
Many people with depression feel that they lack energy and are too exhausted to accomplish anything. This can cause issues at work, in relationships, and in everyday activities. In addition, fatigue can make it more difficult to maintain a healthy weight or take regular exercise.
You can take advantage of several self-measurement questionnaires to determine the severity of fatigue you're feeling. The Fatigue Severity Scale and the Fatigue Severity Inventory are two among the most well-known. Both require you to answer a series of questions about your emotional and physical health during the last month. Your answers are used to build an assessment system that scores you which will give you higher scores, which indicate more fatigue.
Sleeping difficulties
If you're having difficulties sleeping, it could be a sign that you're depressed. If you have trouble falling asleep or getting to sleep, or waking often during the night, it can hinder your ability to function during the day. It may also contribute to fatigue, irritability, and weight gain.
Other physical symptoms of depression can include feeling of heaviness or weightiness stomach pain, bloating or abdominal discomfort, difficulty digesting food, decreased sexual desire or dysfunction, and appetite changes. In a recent study 69% of patients who were treated for depression also had physical symptoms.
Depression can also affect eyesight. The world can appear blurred or hazy. This could be due to an alteration in the way your brain processes visual information. This could cause you to be unable to read, drive or working with numbers.
Exercise isn't easy to maintain if you are tired or have low energy levels and aren't interested in engaging in activities that you enjoy. This can lead to a decline in fitness and weight gain and also a deterioration of depression.
Many medical conditions can cause depression, such as infectious diseases such as Hepatitis C or HIV, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders and heart disease. Certain medications, such as neurotransmitter inhibitors and antipsychotics can also trigger depression.
Depression can sometimes be triggered by an event that has a dramatic impact on your life or a hormonal change. Depressive episodes are common in women who have had a childbirth experience, pregnancy, postpartum depression, or menopausal. Bipolar disordered women may also experience depressive symptoms, and manic phases with more activity and a greater sense of elation.
If you are suffering from these physical symptoms of depression, it's essential to visit your primary care physician or mental healthcare professional as quickly as possible. They'll be able assess your symptoms and offer treatments like psychotherapy or medication. If your symptoms are severe, they may recommend more intensive treatment, such as electroconvulsive (ECT) therapy or deep brain stimulation. Speak to your doctor to discuss your options.
Headaches
It can be a difficult symptom to identify, especially when the pain is unexplained. The pain that is caused by depression usually occurs in the back or the head however, it can also manifest throughout the body. Depression-related pain is typically moderate to mild, and does not interfere with everyday activities. The two are connected because they share the exact same neurochemicals and pathways within the brain. Pain is more likely to be associated with depressive episodes that are severe, and it may occur more frequently or last longer.
Headaches are a sign of depression especially if they're cluster headaches. These are headaches that typically last for between one and two months at a time, typically at the same time every year. The symptoms of cluster headaches are similar to a regular headache, but they are more intense and last for a longer time. The discomfort in the stomach or chest can be a sign that you are depressed, along with more sweating, fatigue and sleeplessness.
Depression can cause people to feel that they are not in complete control over their feelings and actions. This can lead to self destructive behaviors such as excessive drinking or overeating. There may be changes in their appetite, including cravings for food that aren't normal for them. Certain people suffering from depression suffer from digestive problems such as diarrhoea or indigestion.
Muscle pain and back pain is another symptom of depression. It's often related to poor posture or injuries. The pain can be caused by stress or certain food items and is more prevalent in women than males. Depression can trigger back and muscle pain due to the fact that it alters nerve pathways that control mood and pain receptors.
Other signs of depression include changes in the voice of a person or movements, a slowing of their movements and a lack of motivation for movement, such as fidgeting or the habit of pacing. Depression can also affect your ability to focus, remember things, and make decisions. Whether your symptoms are emotional or physical, you should make an appointment with your physician if you have been feeling them for a long time. A health care professional can connect you to treatment options, such as psychotherapy and medication.
Muscle Aches
Muscle pains are a typical sign of depression. symptoms of depression and anxiety can be painful. It can be difficult to diagnose depression when the first signs are a vague ache and pain. Neurotransmitters such serotonin or norepinephrine are the reason for the connection between depression and pain. Dysregulation of these transmitters can cause pain and depression. The connection between depression and pain is bidirectional: depression can increase the severity of pain, and chronic pain can make depression worse.
In a lot of instances, the aches and pains caused by depression can be cured by using home remedies. A healthy diet, exercise and enough rest can improve mood and reduce pain. If you suffer from chronic pain, your doctor may prescribe medication or refer you to a specialist pain clinic.
Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that can cause generalized muscle pains. This condition causes the breakdown of muscle tissue as well as the release of harmful substances in the bloodstream. This condition is often triggered through over-training and certain medications or illicit drugs. Other forms of muscle aches include fungal, viral or parasitic infections, which can be treated with antiviral, antifungal or antiparasitic medications.
If you are experiencing generalized muscle pain, it is important to consult your doctor or therapist. If your aches and pains result from an underlying issue your doctor may suggest treatment such as stretching, hydration and exercise. Ibuprofen and aspirin are over-the-counter pain relievers that can aid in relieving discomfort. If your aches and pains are a result of depression, consult your therapist or doctor about identifying and addressing the underlying factors that can contribute to the symptoms.