Depression can be very versatile as far as symptoms are concerned. There are a number of physical symptoms of depression as well as mental symptoms. Most people experience a combination of physical signs of depression as well as the ordinary mental signs such as negativity, apathy, lack of self-esteem, a sense of worthlessness and hopelessness as well as having a sad frame of mind in general. on top of these symptoms, there can be physical effects of depression that can virtually cripple the person psychologically as well as physiologically.
Physical signs of depression can manifest in a number of ways. Most people may experience just a few of them while others may have to endure all the symptoms or no physical symptoms at all. This article will focus on some of the most common physical symptoms:
Digestive Symptoms – Digestive symptoms are fairly common in depressed people. This may also be due to the medications the person is consuming but it is also commonly a symptom of the disorder itself. Any mental turmoil can be reflected with changes in bowels and digestion. This is why it is common for people to have butterflies in their stomach and have diarrhea when they are excited. Similar depressed people may exhibit IBS like symptoms.
Body pain – body pain with the condition is fairly common and may be severe to the extent that the person may start suspecting a different disease or condition. Pains can be in virtually anywhere in the body but it is usually felt in the limbs and back. It is important to have it looked at even if the person has been diagnosed with depression.
Malaise, Fatigue, etc. – generic flu like symptoms such as fatigue and malaise is also common. Malaise is when a person has a general feeling of being unwell but cannot describe it or attribute it to anything. Fatigue is simply weakness and lack of energy. This can usually be present with body aches making the person feel down and distressed.
Headaches – Headaches are also common with the condition and may vary from mild to severe sporadically. This can be relieved by simply relaxing with breathing exercises or other forms of exercise such as yoga.
Insomnia or Hypersomnia – change in sleeping habits is a common occurrence in depressed individuals. This is because these people tend to have trouble sleeping or oversleep for no apparent reason. Both disorders can cause a number of other secondary conditions and diseases.
These are 5 of the most common symptoms of depression and should be looked at immediately if present with other mental symptoms as aforementioned.