Depression is a complex condition that can wreak havoc on your body and daily life. From your thoughts and emotions to your physical well-being, this sneaky mood-killer can manifest in surprising ways. Ready to decode the secret language your body might be speaking? Let’s dive into ten physical symptoms that could be waving red flags for depression.
1. Muscle and Joint Aches
Chronic muscle and joint pain could be your body’s SOS signal for depression. Depressed individuals are three times more likely to experience pain than the average people. This is because the two conditions share brain chemicals: People with depression are known to be three times more likely to experience pain than usual.
2. Sleep Disorder
You might have problems falling asleep. Having trouble falling asleep or waking up a lot are common signs of depression. Whether you’re battling insomnia or can’t seem to drag yourself out of bed, these sleep disruptions are classic signs that your mental health might need some TLC.
3. Fatigue
You might be feeling drained. If you feel fatigued even after getting enough rest and sleep, it may be a sign of depression. Your body may not recover enough, interfering with your daily life.
4. Heart-Stopping Chest Pain
Chest pain isn’t just for cardiac events anymore. Depression can be a heartbreaker, increasing your risk of heart disease. Those who’ve had a heart attack are more prone to developing depression.
5. Indigestion
You might be experiencing digestive issues. Due to the close relationship between the brain and the digestive system, depression can result in symptoms like indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, etc. Therefore, stress-related digestive issues are more likely to occur when you are depressed.
6. Headaches
If you’re battling frequent headaches, depression could be the unexpected guest. Those with severe depression are three times more likely to experience migraines, while migraine sufferers have a fivefold risk of developing depression.
7. The Appetite Rollercoaster
You might notice a shift in your appetite. Your appetite may be affected by depression, leading to either overeating or undereating. Weight fluctuations may result from this, and eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia have been connected to depression.
8. Back Pain
Chronic lower back pain isn’t just a sign you need a new mattress. It could be depression knocking on your spine’s door. Those with depression are four times more likely to experience severe neck or back pain.
9. Lack of Interest in Sex
Depression can be a real buzzkill for your sex drive. If you’re on antidepressants, some medications might be throwing additional shade on your intimate moments.
10. Irritability
You might be irritated more often, especially if you’re a guy. Men tend to express depression through irritability more often than women. So, if you’re feeling extra prickly, it might be time for a mental health check-in.
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