Physical Signs That Depression Isn't Just a Mental Illness

Depression is a painful experience. While we frequently associate depression with emotional pain such as sadness, sobbing, and hopelessness, research suggests that it can also appear as physical discomfort.

While we don't generally associate depression with physical pain, certain cultures do - particularly those where openly discussing mental health is considered taboo.

Different cultures may have different perspectives on depression. Asian Americans, for example, are more prone to explain and comprehend depression as physical symptoms. This may have an impact on the type of treatment they seek and who they seek it from. When compared to Western perceptions of depression as essentially an internal mood experience, this is a significant difference.

But it's just as vital to keep these physical symptoms in mind as it is to keep the emotional effects in mind.

For starters, it's a fantastic way to stay in touch with your body and mind. Physical signs might indicate when a depressive episode is about to start or whether you are suffering from depression.

The following are the most prevalent physical manifestations of depression:

Fatigue or low energy levels on a regular basis

Fatigue is a typical depression symptom. We all have low energy levels from time to time and may feel sluggish in the morning, want to stay in bed and watch TV rather than go to work.

While we commonly associate exhaustion with stress, melancholy can also lead to exhaustion. Depression-related fatigue, unlike ordinary fatigue, can also produce attention issues, irritability, and apathy.

Because many medical conditions, such as infections and viruses, can produce fatigue, determining whether or not the weariness is connected to depression can be difficult.

While fatigue is a common symptom of depression, other symptoms such as sadness, hopelessness, and anhedonia may also be present when you are depressed.

Pain tolerance is reduced.

Do your nerves ever feel like they're on fire, but you can't seem to locate a physical cause for your discomfort? Depression and pain, it turns out, frequently coexist.

According to some study, anti-depressants can not only aid with sadness but also work as an analgesic, which means they can help with pain.

Back pain or aching muscles throughout the body

Your back may feel fine in the morning, but once you get to work or sit at a school desk, it begins to hurt. It could be due to stress or depression. Backaches, while frequently associated with poor posture or injuries, can also be a sign of psychological distress.

Psychologists and psychiatrists have long believed that emotional issues can cause chronic aches and pains, but the specifics, such as the link between depression and the body's inflammatory response, are still being researched.

Newer research suggests that inflammation in the body may have an effect on the neurocircuits in our brain. Inflammation is thought to disrupt brain signals, and thus may play a role in depression and how we treat it.

Headaches

Almost everyone gets headaches now and then. They're so prevalent that we often dismiss them as unimportant. Workplace stressors, such as a fight with a coworker, can also cause severe headaches.

The headache, on the other hand, might not always be caused by stress, especially if you've previously tolerated your coworker. It could be an indication of depression if you start getting daily headaches.

The presence of headaches isn't the sole sign that your agony is psychological. People who are depressed often have additional symptoms such as sorrow, anger, and a lack of energy.

Vision loss or issues with the eyes

Depressed people had trouble seeing differences in black and white in that study of 80 people. Researchers call this “contrast perception,” and it may explain why depression can make the world appear hazy.

Pain in the stomach or a feeling of uneasiness in the abdomen

One of the most noticeable symptoms of depression is a sinking feeling in your stomach. When your abdomen begins to cramp, it's easy to dismiss it as gas or menstrual pain.

Doctors and scientists refer to the gut as the "second brain" because they have discovered a link between gut health and mental health. Our stomachs are full of good bacteria, and an imbalance of good bacteria can cause anxiety and depression symptoms.

Eating a well-balanced diet and taking probiotics can improve gut health, which may improve mood as well, but more research is needed.

Another way your brain communicates is through pain.

If you are uncomfortable identifying and discussing distressing emotions such as sadness, anger, and shame, this may cause feelings to manifest differently in the body.

Depression can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, childhood stress or trauma, and brain chemistry. People suffering from depression frequently require professional assistance, such as psychotherapy and medication, to fully recover.

To get a depression treatment in Bangalore, contact now to book an appointment now at 08037518692 at Chirag Hospital

Dr. Manaswini Mullapudi earned her MBBS from KLE University Belgaum, graduating with honours in all four years of her undergraduate studies.

She went on to earn her M.D. in Psychiatry from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in Karnataka, finishing third in the state.

She founded Chirag Hospital's Psychiatry unit, well-trained in the science of analysing and understanding the human mind, with the goal of providing compassionate and comprehensive care to patients suffering from day-to-day distress and mental illness.

What you can expect is a nonjudgmental and tailored approach aimed at identifying the patient's specific needs.