Physical

5 Physical Signs of Depression

 
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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:

  1. Headaches - While not always a direct cause of depression, migraines and tension headaches have certainly been associated with it.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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!

Further Links

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6 Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

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6 Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

 
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Body Talk

Our bodies are sensitive systems that are constantly communicating with us. You’re walking through a field of flowers in springtime and start uncontrollably sneezing - that’s your body telling you it’s allergic to pollen. You eat a chicken sandwich that you found sitting in the backseat of your car and start feeling nauseous - that’s your stomach rejecting tainted food and telling you you’re about to pay handsomely for a questionable decision.

These examples involve symptoms that clearly point to physical causes. It’s common to assume that a physical symptom means that the cause is also physical in nature. But what about mysterious, general physical problems where the cause is harder to determine? Like headaches, muscle tension, or a suddenly racing heart? In these cases, our bodies are again trying to tell us something, but the symptoms are harder to decode.


How often do we consider that these symptoms could be manifestations of emotions, not just the body?

Anxiety: A Monster with Many Faces

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health issues today. As of 2018, The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 31.1% of adults in the United States will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America have documented that people with anxiety disorders are 3 to 5 times more likely to go to the doctor. These statistics show us that anxiety is not only incredibly common, but that it affects people’s mind and body. This is why it is so important to learn to recognize some of the physical symptoms of anxiety.

6 Bodily Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety can show itself in many ways, so we’ve highlighted some of the most common ones.

  1. Muscle Tension - Particular areas of your body might be quite tense or tight. The neck, back, chest, or jaw are often affected.

  2. Repetitive Nervous Habits - Restless leg shaking, lip/cheek chewing, skin picking, nail biting, or teeth grinding are classic signs of anxiety.

  3. Digestive Issues - Gastrointestinal troubles are strong clues, ranging from stomachaches to constipation/diarrhea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, abdominal cramps, nausea, or increased frequency of using the bathroom.

  4. Sleep Disruptions - Anxiety can make you feel keyed-up, or wired to the point of insomnia, but it can also exhaust you with fatigue. Additionally, it can cause vivid nightmares, further interrupting restful sleep.

  5. Racing Heart - A common symptom of panic disorder is elevated heart rate. It often brings with it dizziness, shortness of breath or low blood pressure.

  6. Increased Body Temperature - Feeling hot, having a flushed appearance, and sweating are also red flags of anxiety.

The Takeaway

This list is by no means exhaustive, but might prove helpful in identifying the root of physical discomfort. It is worth noting that mental health issues can occur independently of or in addition to physical medical conditions. Thus, it is important to be evaluated by both a medical professional as well as a therapist.

Recognizing these signs can help you get a handle on feeling better. Developing coping skills such as breathing exercises, physical activity, meditation, working with a therapist, and in some instances medication, are just several of many methods to work with these symptoms. Understanding what you are experiencing is an important first step in alleviating the pain of anxiety.

What helps you when you feel anxious? If something helps you, it might help someone else dealing with the same. Please share with us - leave a comment!

Further Reading

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