Physical Symptoms of Depression

The psychological effects of depression are well-publicized, but there are also many physical symptoms of depression.

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in everyday activities. Depression impacts how you think and feel, and it can also trigger an array of emotional and physical issues. 

Unfortunately, rates of depression tripled during the first months of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States. New research from the School of Public Health at Boston University further reveals that rates of depression continued to climb into 2021, affecting one in three adults in the US. 

This is the first representative study in the US examining the change of the prevalence of depression before and during the global pandemic. The findings showed the following factors were the most significant predictors for someone experiencing depressive symptoms: 

• Low household income
• Being single
• Experiencing multiple stressors triggered by the pandemic

Now for the good news: if you’re suffering from depression, not only are you not alone, but this disorder typically responds favorably to treatment – medications and/or psychotherapy.

 

What Are the Physical Symptoms of Depression?

Most people are familiar with the common emotional symptoms of depression, but there are also many physical manifestations of depression, including: 

• Fatigue
• Tiredness
• Appetite changes
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Slowed speech
• Sluggish movements
• Unexplained headaches or pains
• Lowered sex drive
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

Sometimes, tiredness combined with lingering feelings of apathy can lead to behavioral changes. Self-care often takes a nosedive, reflected in adverse changes to appearance, from weight loss and weight gain to lowered standards of personal hygiene.

All cases of depression are unique, though, and not everyone diagnosed with major depressive disorder will display obvious physical signs of depression. Some people with depression will continue with their daily activities without depression causing physical illness at all.

 

Physical Symptoms of Major Depression

Depression causing physical symptoms stems from a variety of physiological changes occurring in the body. These include the following core markers: 

• Appetite changes
• Sleep changes
• Fatigue

Appetite changes

This study shows that those with major depressive disorder are more prone to developing disordered eating habits. Among female participants, researchers flagged high levels of leptin, a hormone associated with reduced appetite. 

While more research is required, the study authors theorize that changes in hormones regulating appetite could explain why depression can trigger appetite changes. 

Sleep changes

A common physical reaction to depression, disrupted sleep patterns and insomnia can impact all areas of your life. 

According to this study involving people with major depressive disorder, changes in both brain function and neurotransmitters can contribute to impaired REM sleep in those with depression. Even during REM sleep, many people with depression exhibit brain activity levels similar to those of someone who is awake.

The complexities of sleep science are such that researchers are still exploring the link between sleep and depression. 

Fatigue

This review of studies indicated that the fatigue and reduced energy levels often associated with depression could be linked to the malfunctioning of neurotransmitter systems, specifically those including dopamine and norepinephrine. Again, research is ongoing in this area to better understand the mechanisms underpinning this physical manifestation of depression.

Body Signs of Depression

The physical pain associated with depression most reported includes:

• Stomach problems
• Immune system
• Increased blood pressure levels

Stomach problems

If you suffer from major depressive disorder, you may frequently experience the following symptoms: 

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Bloating

One potential explanation for the prevalence of these physical depression symptoms involves serotonin, a neurotransmitter found in both the brain and the gut. Serotonin is associated with depression due to its perceived abilities to regulate mood. Beyond this, researchers are also aware of the role of serotonin in maintaining proper digestive function. Research into the gut-brain axis and depression is robust and ongoing. 

Immune system

Stress can lead to your immune system functioning sub-optimally. This means you will be more likely to get sick, and you will also take longer to recover. 

Some infections – influenza, for instance – are not typically serious or life-threatening. If your immune system is compromised, though, you’re at heightened risk of complications from infections.

As with most areas of research into the physical signs of depression, studies are ongoing. It is believed that chronic stress might trigger an inflammatory response capable of changing the functioning of mood-regulating brain chemicals.

Increased blood pressure levels

If you’re diagnosed with major depressive disorder, you may experience prolonged periods of stress. This can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure). 

Elevated blood pressure has many causes, and chronic stress is among them. Hypertension has been linked to and increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Increasingly, researchers are beginning to view depression as a risk factor for heart disease.

 

Physical Sensation of Depression

If you are already struggling to cope with the emotional backlash of major depressive disorder, experiencing physical symptoms of depression makes life even more challenging. If you feel deeply fatigued, demotivated, and feeling in physical pain, even simple daily tasks can feel unachievable.

Here are some simple coping strategies to regain some control when things feel turbulent: 

• Prioritize tasks to reduce overwhelm: If depression is impacting your energy levels, first accomplish the essentials for the day. With the core basics taken care of, prioritize other tasks and get them done as soon as practical instead of feeling overwhelmed at the sight of a large to-do list.
• Batch cook food for the week ahead: If you often find your motivation and energy levels flagging when it’s time to cook, there is more chance you’ll eat the wrong types of food. Chopping and preparing food can be tedious if all you want is dinner as soon as possible. Instead, set aside an hour each week and embrace the therapeutic benefits of mindfully preparing your meals for the week ahead. That way, all you need to do is pop your pre-prepared ingredients into a pan when you’re ready to eat.
• Break tasks into small chunks: If the above tweaks still leave you feeling like you have more to do than you can achieve, break large tasks down into small, manageable chunks. Clean one room rather than the whole house, for example.
• Time tasks: Gamify your to-do list and set yourself challenges. Use a timer and focus on one task only for a set period, even if it’s only a few minutes. This can help to steady your mind if it’s racing with thoughts as a result of major depressive disorder.
• Get help when you need it: Social support is invaluable for anyone suffering from depression. If things are still feeling unmanageable, reach out for help. You don’t need to go it alone.

 

Can You Feel Physical Pain With Depression?

People diagnosed with major depressive disorder report the following physical pains most frequently: 

• Decreased pain tolerance
• Aching muscles and back pain

Decreased pain tolerance

Some people with depression report an oversensitivity to pain. This study shows a correlation between pain tolerance and people with depression, while this research highlights an increased sensitivity to pain in people with depression. 

While researchers have not established a cause-and-effect relationship, it is important to liaise closely with your healthcare provider if you experience pain and depression concurrently. Some research hints that antidepressants can act as a painkiller as well as relieving the emotional symptoms of depression. 

Aching muscles and back pain

This 2017 study illustrates a direct association between depression and backaches. 

More recent research emphasizes the potential role of inflammation in interrupting brain signals. 

If you experience back pain at the same time as depression, consult with your doctor.

 

Are Body Aches a Sign of Depression?

Psychiatrists and psychologists have long suspected that emotional issues can lead to chronic physical pain, but the connection between depression and the inflammatory response it causes in the body is still being researched.

Treatment for Depression at The District Recovery

If you are one of the 32% of people in the United States with depression, we can help you here at The District Recovery Community. 

We offer an array of outpatient programs here at our dedicated depression treatment center to help ease the physical symptoms of depression, including: 

• OP (outpatient program)
• IOP (intensive outpatient program)
• PHP (partial hospitalization program)

For anyone suffering from depression with a co-occurring substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder, our dual diagnosis treatment program enables you to unpack both these conditions at the same time. 

Those with depression typically respond to medications like antidepressants in combination with counseling and talk therapies like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). Symptoms should dissipate, and you’ll equip yourself with the skills you need to cope with life’s stressors more easily, while managing your thoughts and feelings more effectively.

For a personalized and research-based depression treatment program, reach out to TDRC today at 844.287.8506.