Blog entry by Violet Cobbett

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Severe Depression Physical Symptoms

i-want-great-care-logo.pngSevere depression can cause physical symptoms of depression symptoms, such as discomfort, fatigue and trouble sleeping. Different people experience depression differently However, there are ways to manage these symptoms and seek assistance when needed.

Royal_College_of_Psychiatrists_logo.pngIt's normal to feel sad or down occasionally, but if they persist and become a problem in our daily lives, this could be an indication of depression. Many people may also suffer from depression as a result of chronic stress.

Fatigue

Fatigue is among the most prevalent and severe symptoms of depression. It feels like a persistent and unrelenting exhaustion even if you're sleeping enough. It can also be an effect of certain antidepressant medications which is why you should discuss your symptoms with your doctor.

There is no exact definition of fatigue, but it is described as a persistent feeling of tiredness which interferes with daily activities. The fatigue may be associated with other symptoms such as difficulty falling asleep or sleeping or sleeping, muscle pain and changes in appetite. It can also cause feelings of weakness or inability to exercise or move. According to some studies, people suffering from depression are more exhausted than those who do not suffer from the condition.

The causes of fatigue can be obvious, like being overworked, not eating a balanced diet, or excessive use of alcohol or drugs. However, other causes of fatigue aren't as clear and may include thyroid disease, anemia, or chronic liver, kidney or lung conditions. Fatigue can be caused by illnesses, infections and certain minerals and vitamins. For instance iron deficiency can trigger fatigue, but it can be treated by eating more food that contain the mineral, such as spinach, red meat and fish.

Many people suffering from depression feel exhausted and that they lack the energy to accomplish anything. This can cause difficulties at work, in relationships and in daily activities. Fatigue can also make it harder to maintain a healthy weight or take regular exercise.

There are many different self-measurement tests that will help you determine the amount of fatigue you're experiencing. They include the Fatigue Symptom Inventory as well as the Fatigue Severity Scale. Both require you to answer questions regarding your emotional symptoms of depression and physical functioning over the last month. Your responses are used to establish an assessment system that scores you which will give you higher scores, which indicate more fatigue.

Trouble sleeping

If you have trouble sleeping, you may be depressed. Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, or getting up often during the night, can hinder your ability to perform throughout the day. It may contribute to anxiety, fatigue and weight increase.

Other physical symptoms include a feeling or weightiness or heaviness, stomach pain or bloating, difficulties in digesting food, reduced desire to be sexually active or dysfunction, and changes in appetite. In an investigation in which 69% of patients who were treated for depression had somatic symptoms in addition to depressed mood.

Depression can also affect your eyesight which can make the world appear hazy and blurry. This could be due to a change of how the brain processes visual data. This can cause problems with reading, driving or working with numbers.

Exercise isn't easy to maintain if you are tired, have low energy and lack interest in enjoyable activities. This can result in lower fitness and weight gain, as well as a worsening of depression.

A variety of medical conditions can cause depression, including infectious diseases such as hepatitis C or HIV cancer, heart disease and neurodegenerative disorders. Some medications can also cause depression, like antipsychotics and some neurotransmitter inhibitors.

Depression can be triggered by an event that has a dramatic impact on your life or a hormonal change. Depression is common among women who have experienced pregnancy, childbirth postpartum depression, menopause. Bipolar disorder sufferers may also experience depressive episodes and manic episodes characterized by an increase in activity and a greater feeling of elation.

If you are experiencing physical symptoms of depression, it's important to see your primary care physician or a mental healthcare professional as quickly as possible. They can assess your symptoms and offer options for treatment, like psychotherapy or medication. If your symptoms are serious, they may recommend a more intense course of treatment, such as electroconvulsive (ECT) therapy or deep brain stimulation. Discuss with your doctor your options and ways to manage these symptoms, to ensure you stay on the path to recovery.

Headaches

Pain can be a very difficult symptom to detect in particular when the pain is unexplained. Pain that is related to depression usually occurs in the back or head, but can also occur throughout the body. Typically, pain from depression is moderate to mild and doesn't hinder everyday activities. Depression and pain are linked because they share the exact same neurochemicals and pathways within the brain. Pain is more likely to occur in conjunction with severe depression episodes and can occur more frequently or last longer.

Headaches are a sign of depression especially if they are cluster headaches. These are headaches that generally last for between one and two months at a time, generally around the same time each year. The symptoms of cluster headaches are similar to regular headache, however they are more severe and last longer. Pain in the stomach or chest can be a sign that you're depressed, along with more sweating, fatigue and sleeplessness.

People who suffer from depression may feel as if they have less control over their emotions and actions. This can lead to self-destructive actions like drinking excessively or eating too much. Some people suffering from depression may also experience changes in their appetites, for example, cravings for food that are not normal for them. Certain people suffering from depression suffer from digestive issues like diarrhoea or an indigestion.

Muscle and back pain could be another sign of depression, and is usually associated with poor posture or injuries. The pain is more prevalent for women. It can be aggravated by stress and certain food items. Depression can trigger muscle and back pain, as it affects nerve pathways that control mood and pain receptors.

Other signs and symptoms of major depression of depression are changes in the voice, a slowing of movement, and purposeless movements like fidgeting. Depression can also affect the ability to concentrate, remember things, and make decisions. If your symptoms are emotional or physical it is important to make an appointment with your physician if you have been feeling them for a long time. A health care professional can connect you to treatment options like psychotherapy and medications.

Muscle Aches

Muscle aches can be painful and a common symptom of depression. Aches and pains that are vague could be the first signs of severe depression of depression to appear and are difficult to recognize. The underlying connection between pain and depression is linked to neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Dysregulation of these transmitters can cause pain and depression. The connection between depression and pain is bidirectional. Depression can cause pain to become more severe and chronic pain can worsen depression.

In many cases, the aches and pains caused by depression can be cured by using home remedies. Exercise, a proper diet and sufficient sleep can help you manage the pain and improve mood. If you suffer from chronic pain, you may be prescribed medication by your physician or directed to a pain clinic.

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that can cause generalized muscle pains. This condition leads to the loss of muscle tissue as well as the release of harmful substances into the bloodstream. This condition is often caused by exercise too vigorously, certain medications, or illicit drugs. Other types of muscle pain are parasites, fungi or viral infections. These can be treated by antiviral, antibiotics or antiparasitic medications.

If you're suffering from generalized muscle pains it is essential to visit your therapist or doctor for a thorough assessment. If your aches and pains stem from an underlying condition, your healthcare provider may suggest treatment such as stretching, hydration, and exercises. Aspirin and Ibuprofen are both prescription pain relievers available over the counter that can help ease the discomfort. If your aches and pains are caused by depression, consult your therapist or doctor about identifying and addressing the root causes that cause the symptoms.

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