Depression: Darkness Visible
This week, we’re putting the spotlight on another of the most prevalent mental health issues: depression. According to the World Health Organization, as of 2018 depression affects more than 300 million people worldwide. Hallmarks of depression include loss of interest in activities, low energy/mood, appetite and sleep disruption, poor concentration, feelings of low self-worth, etc. It can occur alongside other issues including substance abuse and anxiety. Depression is a particularly high risk issue because not only does it impair everyday functioning, at its worst it can escalate to suicide.
5 Lesser-Known Physical Symptoms of Depression
“The madness of depression is, generally speaking, the antithesis of violence. It is a storm indeed, but a storm of murk. Soon evident are the slowed-down responses, near paralysis, psychic energy throttled back close to zero. Ultimately, the body is affected and feels sapped, drained.”
― William Styron, Darkness Visible: A Memoir of Madness (1990)
This excerpt is from author William Styron’s memoir. In it he chronicles his own experience of what depression feels like, mentally and physically. Many people consider depression to be a disease of the mind while forgetting the toll it can take on the body. The following are some of the bodily manifestations of depression:
Headaches - While not always a direct cause of depression, migraines and tension headaches have certainly been associated with it.
Chronic pain - Mood influences sensory experiences, pain in particular. If you find that you have mysterious aches/pains, check in with your emotional state. There may indeed be a connection.
Fatigue - Regardless of your level of physical activity, depression can make you feel completely sapped of energy. Sometimes, simply climbing a flight of stairs can feel exhausting.
Skin issues - Depression can cause extra stress, resulting in increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This can cause skin issues or aggravate pre-existing skin problems, particularly if you’re prone to rashes or breakouts.
Weight changes - Depression is also associated with fluctuations in appetite. This can manifest in becoming ravenously hungry, completely apathetic towards food (and sometimes self-care in general), or anywhere in between. It varies from case to case.
The Takeaway
As with anxiety, many of the physical symptoms that accompany depression can be quite general. These signs may be trying to point you to an emotional issue like depression, or a medical condition such as hypothyroidism (a hormonal condition that can mimic the symptoms of depression).
The bottom line is that physical symptoms are trying to bring your attention to something. It is important to listen to what your body and mind are telling you. What you find might surprise you and help you learn about yourself.
How often do you check in with yourself, body or mind? Do any of these physical symptoms resonate with you?
Please share with us - like or leave a comment below!