Can Depression Cause Headaches? And Other Depression Questions, Answered

If you have experienced headaches and depression symptoms, you're not alone. The changes depression can lead to, including shifts in sleep and dietary habits, may contribute to a higher rate of headaches. Understanding depression symptoms and their links to the physical body may be beneficial in understanding whether your headaches are related to your mental health.

What is depression?

Depression is an umbrella term to refer to several depressive disorders. However, it is often used to describe major depressive disorder (MDD). MDD is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. 

Symptoms of depression may be severe enough for the condition to affect several facets of life, including work, school, relationships, and self-care. Symptoms of depression can also significantly impact one's daily functioning and ability to partake in healthy habits. 

This mental illness is common, and many people will experience it in their lifetime. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 5% of adults worldwide, around 280 million people, live with depression. 

If you believe you’re living with depression, a healthcare professional can provide you with screenings and determine whether further advice, diagnosis, or treatment are necessary.

How does depression develop?

Several risk factors may contribute to the development of depression, including the following: 

• A family history of mental illness 
• Living with another mental illness, such as anxiety
• Substance use 
• Stressful life events, such as divorce, loss, or the end of a career  
• Chronic illness or chronic pain

What are the symptoms of depression?

To receive an official diagnosis of major depressive disorder, you may be required to meet five depressive symptoms during the same two-week period that cause a marked decrease in functioning unrelated to another mental or physical illness. If you’re seeking medical advice, diagnosis, or other mental health services, consider asking your primary care provider to connect you with a specialist who can administer a thorough evaluation.

Below are a few of the most common symptoms of depression: 

• Feelings of sadness, apathy, or numbness 
• Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
• Appetite changes
• Difficulty sleeping
• Difficulty making decisions 
• Irritability or anger 
• Fatigue
• Loss of motivation and decreased concentration
• Guilt or feeling like a burden 
• Physical symptoms, like headaches, stomach pain, or fatigue 
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Can depression cause headaches?

Depression may cause you to experience headaches, although it is not the only mental illness that causes this symptom. Anxiety disorders can also cause headaches (depression and anxiety co-occur frequently). In one medically reviewed study, nearly 20% of people who experienced headaches also had depression, showing a potential link. Depression may cause headaches for the following reasons. 

Changes in diet 

The food you eat may contribute to headaches if you struggle to take in enough food each day or lack vital nutrients. In addition, if you overeat, you might experience digestive issues that accompany headaches, like constipation. 

Stress

Depression can be a stressor or be exacerbated by stress. Frequently managing high stress levels as you manage your symptoms may lead to migraines, tension headaches, and pain. According to the American Psychological Association, 77% of all US adults have physical symptoms of stress. 

Sleep difficulties

Sleep habits can significantly impact how you feel each day, and too little and too much sleep can lead to more frequent headaches.

Types of headaches depression may cause

Different headaches may require different solutions if you're looking to find relief. It's possible to experience these headaches even if you haven't been diagnosed with depression. Still, you may find that more severe or stress-related headaches occur when experiencing a depressive episode. 

Migraines

A migraine is a severe headache that often occurs unexpectedly. Some affected people may experience intense pain for days at a time, which can affect daily tasks and functioning, as well as home and personal life. During a migraine, an individual may be sensitive to lights, sounds, or smells and feel nauseous. A migraine can last from four to 72 hours if untreated. Not everyone gets migraines, so if you're experiencing these types of headaches, consult your medical professional to develop a treatment plan. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, there is a bidirectional relationship between migraines and depression, which means that depression can cause or worsen migraines, and migraines can lead to or exacerbate symptoms of depression.

Tension headaches

Tension headaches are often caused by stress. They can cause head and neck pain that feels like a tight rubber band is wrapped around your head. Feelings of pressure and tight, pulsing pain can also be common. A tension headache may change in intensity over time or throughout the day. As a result, experiencing a tension headache can significantly impact daily responsibilities and tasks.

How to cope with a headache

There are a few natural remedies you can try to get rid of a headache, regardless of its cause. If you’ve sought the medical advice of a professional for headaches, depression, or both, consider asking them how certain coping strategies might fit into your treatment plan. The following techniques can ease headache pain:

• Laying in a cool and dark room 
• Getting a massage to rid your muscles of tension
• Using a cold or hot pack on the area of your head that is in pain
• Giving yourself time to rest. 
• Reducing exposure to light, sound, and stress 
• Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever as instructed by your doctor
• Staying away from alcohol, tobacco, and other potentially stress-inducing substances

Are depression headaches treatable?

The prognosis for treatment for depression, migraines, or tension headaches is favorable. Qualified professionals can provide advice, diagnosis, and treatment, helping you manage the symptoms of both depression and headaches. There may not be a "cure" for depression, but the symptoms can be alleviated, and, in some cases, you might experience remission.  

Each person's recovery from depression-related headaches and other symptoms differs, so be patient with yourself as you navigate the process. Many who experience depression see significant improvements after months or years of treatment, so learning how to enjoy the process of healing can be a part of healing.

If your headaches are causing significant distress or challenges in your personal life, but you haven’t sought a diagnosis or treatment, consider contacting a doctor. Your doctor can help you set up a physical treatment plan to reduce your pain's impact on your emotional health. 

Counseling options 

You may benefit from being treated for headaches and depression separately. A mental health professional can assist in developing a treatment plan, and a doctor may be able to help you develop solutions for treating headaches when they occur. Prescription medication may be helpful for immediate relief if you experience migraines. In addition, caring for your physical health can boost your mental health and vice versa. 

In terms of treating depression itself, working with a mental health professional can be advantageous. Psychotherapy is a resource that can help you target specific goals, areas of concern, and symptoms. If your headaches make it difficult to leave home or set appointments, you can also try therapy online through a platform like BetterHelp. 

Research published in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry supports the effectiveness of online therapy for depression and other mental health conditions. They may be as effective as in-person options in some cases, and you can try any modality you're interested in. In addition, on days you're experiencing a headache, you can meet with your therapist from home in a comfortable location like your bed or couch.