Why Depression could be the Source of your Aches and Pains

The effects of depression may extend beyond a person’s emotions and mental health. Depression can also affect a person’s physical health, quite unbelievable if you ask me...

In this article, learn about these physical effects of depression, including chronic pain, weight changes, and increased inflammation.

How does it affect us physcially?

The most widely accepted theory seems to be that serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter found in the brain and other regions of the body and often recognized as the "happy hormone," are linked. Scientists aren't certain if depression causes a dip in serotonin levels or if depression causes a decline in serotonin levels. However, because everyone's reason of depression is different, the psychiatrists may be able to pinpoint the biological cause and prescribe therapy, which is usually an SSRI medicine (decreases the degradation of serotonin thus increasing its levels). When serotonin levels are low, it causes physical symptoms in places where serotonin is needed (digestive tract, blood vessels, brain, etc.).

Now, the method described above isn't the only one utilized by doctors, but it's the one that's most commonly assumed.

The following are some of the most prevalent physical symptoms associated with depression:

• Headaches. These are quite common in depressed persons. If you already suffer from migraines, being depressed may make them worse.

• Back pain. If you already have back pain, it's possible that it'll develop worse if you're depressed.

• Aches and pains in the muscles and joints. Any type of chronic pain can be exacerbated by depression.

• Pain in the chest. Obviously, it's critical to see a doctor as soon as possible if you're experiencing chest pain. It might indicate major cardiac issues. Chest discomfort, on the other hand, has been linked to depression.

• Problems with digestion. You might feel queasy or nauseous. You might have diarrhoea or become chronically constipated.

• Exhaustion and fatigue. No matter how much you sleep, you may still feel tired or worn out. Getting out of the bed in the morning may seem very hard, even impossible.

• Sleeping problems. Many people with depression can't sleep well anymore. They wake up too early or can't fall asleep when they go to bed. Others sleep much more than normal.

• Change in appetite or weight. Some people with depression lose their appetite and lose weight. Others find they crave certain foods - like carbohydrates - and put on weight.

• Dizziness or lightheadedness.