The body is incredible when you consider how it functions and all the different stimuli that can have an effect on it. Unfortunately, it can be impacted by negative and positive catalysts. When considering the ramifications of a mental health condition such as depression, you may assume it only disrupts the functions of the mind. However, this could not be further from the truth. Many people who suffer from clinical depression also experience physical effects on their bodies.
What are Some Physical Symptoms that are Associated with Depression?
Depression has an impact on much more than a person’s moods. Some of the most common physical symptoms that are associated with depression can include the following:
- Oversleeping, lack of deep sleep, or insomnia
- Decreased or increased appetite
- Weight gain or loss
- Agitation or restlessness
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Inflammation
- Nausea
- Decreased interest of sex
- Chronic fatigue
- Increased aches and pains, which include stomach pains, backaches, and headaches
This list is not exhaustive. There are many more physical symptoms that people have experienced when they suffer from depression.
How Does Depression Cause Physical Symptoms?
Changes in the brain caused by depression have an impact on a number of different systems in the body since it can cause an overproduction of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. Depression can cause a person to make poor nutrition choices and get less than an ideal amount of sleep.
Depression can also impact a person’s pain threshold since their brain is not functioning as it usually would. This means that their brain’s neurotransmitters, which are effectively messengers, are not working properly. A person with depression may not be able to withstand pain as effectively as they normally would be able to.
It is unfortunately common for people with depression to develop addictions through self-medicating or turning to substance abuse to cope or “feel good.” In those who are depressed, dopamine receptors are reduced and when a person is abusing a substance, their brain craves larger quantities of the harmful substance. This has its own set of related physical symptoms.
Depression Enhances your Risk of Physical Illness
Depression can heighten your chances of suffering from diseases and different conditions since it has a negative effect on your immune system. This means your body will struggle to fight infections. There has also been research that has indicated that some vaccinations can also be less effective in people with depression. Depression has also been linked to a greater risk for substance abuse and heart disease too.
Contact MidValley Healthcare for Help with Depression
As you can see, depression is something that can have a great physical and mental impact on the body. If this is something you can relate to, MidValley Healthcare can assist. We offer services for behavioral health and related addiction recovery treatments. We can also provide treatment with transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy for Major Depressive Disorder. Recovery from depression is possible. To make an appointment or learn more, give us a call today at (208) 888-5848. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing how we can help.