The 7 Most Common Physical Symptoms of Depression

Depression reveals itself in so many ways andHowever, the pain can also be new as a result of the
experiencing physical symptoms of depression is notdepression.
uncommon. It is possible to feel both physicalDigestive Issues: Stress, of course, can cause
symptoms as well as the classic emotional symptomsdigestive issues but depression can as well. The
which include low sense of self, low self esteem,symptoms can be things such as IBS or Irritable Bowel
feeling hopeless or helpless, having feelings of despair,Syndrome, cramping, diarrhea and chronic constipation.
and, of course, serious feelings of sadness. In additionGaining /losing weight due to appetite changes:
to having these emotional symptoms, physicalDepression and stress often times results in a
symptoms can present themselves as well and cansignificant decrease or increase in appetite which,
be just as troubling or even more bothersome than theultimately, results in weight loss or gain.
emotional symptoms.Having difficulty sleeping: High stress levels or
Physical symptoms of depression present themselvesdepression can result in changes in sleeping habits. If
in seven common ways. It is possible for an individualthe individual has lost hope or sees no reason to get
to feel a few of them or all of them. Frankly, it justup he may sleep more. On the other hand, when the
depends on the individual and how bad the depressionindividual feels stress and anxiety, coupled with the
really is. These symptoms that reveal themselvesdepression, they may have difficulty falling asleep
physically include:much less sleeping during the night at all.
Headaches: Usually a depressed individual alsoFeelings of exhaustion and/or fatigue: Often times,
experiences stress and both can result in chronic ordepression brings about such sadness that the
severe headaches. Often times this can lead to takingindividual doesn't even want to get out of bed. Feeling
too many pain relievers so it is important to monitorexhausted or fatigued just amplifies the problem.
this. If the headaches persist then you should considerBeing light headed or dizzy: If someone is experiencing
natural alternatives such as meditation, visualization orhigh levels of anxiety or is in a manic phase of Bipolar
even various breathing techniques. All of which aredisorder then often times this results in an "emotional
known to relieve headaches and, more importantly,rush" of sorts which leads to being light headed or
relieve stress. It also is beneficial with gettingdizzy.
"grounded" which, in turn, can help to alleviate theAll of these physical symptoms of depression should
feelings of depression.be duly noted and considered when evaluating
Back Pain / muscle aches / chest pain: While none ofwhether an individual is clinically depressed or not.
these should be ignored, it is important to take chestWhen they are accompanied by the emotional
pains seriously. Particularly if they exhibit the same kindsymptoms as well then the individual should consider
of pains and experiences that would manifest if youcontacting a mental health professional to for a
were having a heart attack. In this case, seekcomplete evaluation and to obtain a proper diagnosis.
professional help as soon as possible. In the case ofThis way a comprehensive treatment plan can be put
back pain and muscle aches, these symptoms - ifinto place so that the individual can begin recovering
already present - can get worse and become chronic.and ultimately live a happy, productive life again.