Identifying The Physical Symptoms Of Depression And What To Do About Them

Although it can sometimes be difficult to see, depression can profoundly impact a person's life, and it is one of the most common mental illnesses. When it comes to depression, many of us often think of the mental, emotional, or behavioral symptoms that come with it, such as a low mood, difficulty concentrating, and loss of interest in certain activities. However, depression can also have a range of physical symptoms. So, what are the physical symptoms of depression, and what can you do about them? Here, we will address these questions and how to find support for depression if you need it or think that you might.

Depression overview

Depression is a serious mental health condition marked by low mood, feelings of hopelessness, lack of motivation, and loss of interest. There are several depressive disorders listed in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), including major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and postpartum depression. Depressive symptoms are also a primary feature of bipolar disorder; and they commonly occur in conditions like anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorder. 

In addition to various mental health challenges, several physical complications can arise out of major depressive disorder and other types of depression. Certain medical conditions—such as heart disease and chronic pain—have been connected to depression. Major depressive disorder can also cause changes in motor function, weight gain, sleep disruptions, headaches, and gastrointestinal distress, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 

If you believe you’re living with a depressive disorder, a mental health care professional can provide you with screenings and determine whether further testing, a diagnosis, and treatment are necessary. 

Physical symptoms of depression

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

Here are some common physical symptoms of depression:

• Tiredness and fatigue: Fatigue is one of the most prominent symptoms of depression. A person with depression may feel tired and low energy, and like even small tasks require a lot of effort. 
• Body aches and pain: Not only are body aches a potential physical symptom of depression, but those who experience chronic pain are at a higher risk of depression. Some studies suggest that up to 85% of those with chronic pain are affected by severe depression. 
• Gastrointestinal (GI) distress: Research suggests a link between depression, anxiety, digestive issues, and diagnosable digestive disorders, which include but are not limited to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Changes in appetite: Some people who live with depression notice that they eat more than usual, whereas others experience a loss of appetite. This can result in weight gain or weight loss.
• Slowed psychomotor activity: Slowed bodily movements are a common symptom that some people with depression experience. Even if you don't notice this yourself, the people around you might notice this in the form of slow speech, slow physical movements, and so on.
• Trouble with self-care activities: Self-care activities with which a person with depression might have difficulty include brushing their hair, practicing consistent dental hygiene, showering, meal preparation, doing laundry, and more. Again, this can vary from person to person.
• Changes in sleep patterns: Some people who live with depression experience insomnia, typically characterized by trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. On the other hand, other people who live with depression may sleep too much.

The physical symptoms of depression and those that are psychological, social, or emotional can affect daily life in various ways. For example, fatigue or low energy can make maintaining work, family, or school-related responsibilities pretty tough. Similarly, sleep problems can lead to sleep deprivation, which may have serious consequences. Depression can also increase the risk of various physical health complications, including heart disease, as well as increase the risk of developing other mental illnesses, such as anxiety. 

The above list is not by any means complete; there are a variety of other depression symptoms, emotional as well as physical, that may be experienced depending on the severity of depression, the individual, and circumstances.

Note that some of the possible physical symptoms of depression may also be attributed to conditions and concerns outside of depression. It is important to talk with your doctor to get individualized guidance and rule out any other possible causes or diagnoses.

Physical health conditions and depression

Physical symptoms, like those above, can result from a depressive disorder. However, there's a link between existing physical health conditions and the development of depression, too. Physical illness is a potential risk factor for depression alongside other risk factors, such as adverse childhood experiences and family history. 

Higher depression rates are seen in people with rheumatoid arthritis, IBS, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, heart attacks, and other conditions. 

What can I do about the physical symptoms of depression?

There are various treatment options available for depression that can help address its range of symptoms, including physical ones. Common treatments for depression include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Please consult with your doctor to explore medication options or changes. A healthcare professional can explain the efficacy, side effects, and treatment duration of a specific medication.

Treatment can vary depending on the individual, the severity of depression, the symptoms experienced, and the presence of any other comorbid condition. It can also change based on the type of depressive disorder present. For example, symptoms of seasonal affective disorder may be treated with light therapy. This modality involves the use of bright light lamps, which have been shown to improve sleep disruptions and boost mood in people with seasonal affective disorder. 

You don't need a diagnosis of depression or any other mental health condition to start seeing a therapist. Therapy can help individuals with various concerns, from mental health conditions to other challenges, like life stress, grief, social relationships, and more. Whether you live with depression or need support in another area, therapy is an option to consider.

For individuals with depression, the feelings of tiredness, fatigue, and low energy can make the idea of commuting to an office for an in-person appointment feel difficult. In these cases, online therapy may seem a little easier, as you can meet with your therapist from wherever you have an internet connection, including from home. 

And research shows that online therapy is an effective treatment in reducing depression symptoms. One such study found that "depression symptom severity was significantly reduced" after the use of the digital therapy intervention.