How to Recognize Physical Symptoms of Depression

We all know that feeling sad may not mean you are clinically depressed. Talking about your emotions is helpful for everyone, but particularly for people who also exhibit the physical symptoms of depression. These symptoms may need additional treatment, so be sure to discuss them with your doctor.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Headaches, which may become worse as the depression deepens.
2. Back pain. Often people carry their emotions in their spine (which is why many people experience a significant wave of emotion when they see a chiropracter or accupuncturist).
3. Muscle aches and joint pain, which can become increasingly worse for people already suffering from chronic conditions.
4. Chest pain, which can also be a sign of a serious heart condition, warrants immediate physical examination.
5. Trouble sleeping, both too much or too little.
6. Exhaustion and fatigue, no matter how much you sleep. Depression can make getting out of bed and making it through the day arduous.
7. Sudden change in appetite or weight.
8. Digestive issues. When people are depressed, they eat too little or too much and often not the most nutritious foods. This, in addition, to the stress that emotions put on the digestive system, can cause nausea, constipation, diarhea, etc.
9. Feeling dizzy or lightheaded often.

Tips & Warnings

• In many cases, one of these symptoms alone can indicate nothing more than healthy stress or a change in environment. But at times displaying more than one of these symptoms can indicate not only depression, but other conditions as well. It is very important to discuss all of your health issues with a physician or therapist.