Recognizing the Symptoms of Depression
Depression: Recognizing the Physical Symptoms
Most of us know about the emotional symptoms of depression. But you may not know that depression can cause physical symptoms, too.
In fact, many people with depression feel pain or other physical symptoms. These include:
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Headaches. These are fairly common in people with
depression. If you already had migraine headaches, they may become worse if
you're depressed.
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Back pain. If you already suffer with back pain, it may
get worse if you become depressed.
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Muscle aches and joint pain. Depression can make any kind
of chronic pain worse.
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Chest pain. Obviously, it's very important to get chest
pain checked out by an expert right away. It can be a sign of serious heart
problems. But chest pain is also associated with depression.
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Digestive problems. You might feel queasy or nauseous. You
might have diarrhea or become chronically constipated.
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Exhaustion and fatigue. No matter how much
you sleep, you may still feel tired or worn out. Getting out of the bed in the
morning may seem very hard, even impossible.
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Sleeping problems. Many people with depression can't sleep
well anymore. They wake up too early or can't fall asleep when they go to bed.
Others sleep much more than normal.
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Change in appetite or weight. Some people with depression
lose their appetite and lose weight. Others find they crave certain foods --
like carbohydrates -- and weigh more.
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Dizziness
or lightheadedness.
Many depressed people never get help, because they don't know that their physical symptoms might be caused by depression. A lot of doctors miss the symptoms, too.
These physical symptoms aren't "all in your head." Depression can cause real changes in your body. For instance, it can slow down your digestion, which can result in stomach problems.
Depression seems to be related to an imbalance of certain chemicals in your brain. Some of these same chemicals play an important role in how you feel pain. So many experts think that depression can make you feel pain differently than other people.
Treating Physical Symptoms
In some cases, treating your depression -- with therapy or medicine or both -- will resolve your physical symptoms.
But make sure to tell your health care provider about any physical symptoms. Don't assume they'll go away on their own. They may need additional treatment. For instance, your doctor may suggest an antianxiety medicine if you have insomnia. Those drugs help you relax and may allow you to sleep better.
Since pain and depression go together, sometimes easing your pain may help with your depression. Some antidepressants, such as Cymbalta and Effexor, may help with chronic pain, too.
Other treatments can also help with painful symptoms. Certain types of focused therapy -- like cognitive behavioral -- can teach you ways to cope better with the pain.
WebMD Medical Reference
Depression Glossary
- Antidepressant: Drugs to be used to treat depression...
- Dysphoria: An emotional state marked by anxiety, depression, and restlessness ...
- Dysthymia: Chronic depression that is less severe than major depression ...
- Major Depression: Depression that lasts for at least two weeks and interferes with daily life ...
- Psychotherapy: Treatment by talking about emotional problems ...
- View All Terms
WebMD's Symptom Finder:
Physical Symptoms of Depression
The Truth About Depression
Back Pain, Muscle Aches, Fatigue
Depression Myths vs Facts