Depression can hurt. Physically hurt. It can manifest itself into a pain that keeps you from getting out of bed, going to work, or spending time with family. Exacerbating the already painful emotional side effects of depression, the physically painful aspects of this mental health condition that impacts 8.7 percent of women and 5.3 percent of men are too often disregarded or misdiagnosed.
If you find yourself feeling hopeless, bereft, sad, or anxious more often than you are joyful and optimistic, and you are suffering from any of the physical symptoms below, talk to your doctor or a registered mental health provider. Help is available to end the cycle of emotional and physical pain so that you can reclaim your happiness and your life.
Seven Signs That You Might Be Suffering From Depression
- Constant Fatigue. Those with depression often describe feeling a type of oppressive exhaustion that leaves them wanting to stay in bed all day and all night. This side effect occurs because those with depression often experience non-restorative sleep as a side effect, leaving them feeling exhausted even after a full night’s sleep.
- Headaches. Headache pain among those who are depressed can range from a mild yet persistently bothersome ache to an extreme migraine that leaves them feeling sensitive to light and noises, and unable to leave home or go to work. People with depression also often suffer from tension headaches, a pain that feels like a mild throbbing sensation often localized to the forehead.
- Allover Body Aches. Those with depression often report feeling the type of constant muscle and joint achiness that we commonly associated with influenza. In this way, depression can create a kind of allover pain that makes any form of daily activity a challenge.
- Back Pain. For yet other individuals diagnosed with depression, their physical pain can manifest in a specific, hypersensitive area. The back is a common area where people feel localized soreness and discomfort, ranging from mild to extreme.
- Chest Pain. While any localized chest pain should be reported promptly to your doctor to rule out a potential heart complication, it can also be a sign of depression and anxiety.
- Digestive Problems. If you’ve heard the phrase, healthy gut, healthy you, then you know that your digestive system can be an early indicator of a systemic health problem. One cause may be depression, a condition that can trigger regular bouts of diarrhea or constipation. Similarly, dramatic changes in appetite or weight—toward either extreme—may be a sign of depression.
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness. This side effect puts sufferers at risk of accidents and injuries, particularly while driving or operating a motor vehicle, making it all the more of a reason to seek professional treatment, regardless of the cause.
If you are experiencing feelings of loneliness or sadness, know that you are not, and never will be alone. Professional treatment centers are available staffed with compassionate caregivers who will help you identify the treatment options that will best address the causes of your suffering so you can live your best, happiest, and healthiest life.
If you or someone you know would like help, please contact our patient support specialists at 716-831-1800. We can connect you to appropriate care.