Surprising Physical Symptoms Depression Can Cause

Fighting depression is a difficult battle, but one that can be won. If you have been diagnosed with depression or suspect that you might have it, then you should know that there are symptoms that go beyond how you're feeling emotionally and mentally. Consider these four issues that you may be struggling with right now without knowing that they're due to your depression.

Body Aches

Body aches are often reported by people who have depression. The exact mechanism behind this isn't fully understood, but it happens nonetheless. The aches may be focused in just one area or may encompass the entire body.

Lethargy

Lethargy is a common symptom of people who have depression. Depression saps the energy that you have and makes it harder to function on a daily basis doing things that people are ordinarily expected to do, like going to work, showering, and working out.

Unfortunately, lethargy can make depression worse, too. People sometimes beat themselves up over being "lazy" when they're actually lethargic due to depression. This can make you feel guilty or worthless, which only intensifies the symptoms of depression, which can then go on to make your lethargy even worse. It's a difficult cycle to break.

Lowered Immune System

Depression weakens your immune system and makes it harder for your body to fight off illnesses. Think of it as your immune system being depressed and unable to do what it needs to, too. If that weren't bad enough, being depressed can raise the likelihood of you developing certain types of diseases and illnesses. And of course, getting sick more often may increase your tendency to feel depressed and lethargic.

Appetite Changes

Strangely enough, depression affects the appetite in two polar opposite ways: it can increase your appetite, or reduce it.

Either of these issues tend to be a problem. Unexpected and unwanted weight loss is typically a health concern, especially if it becomes extreme. However, weight gain is also a big problem, and it's sometimes made worse because people with depression will sometimes eat in order to help themselves to feel a little better.

When you have depression, it's important to get help because you're up against all of this. It's not just a battle of the mind; your physical body is struggling to make it through this illness, too. Get the help that you need so that you can get your mental and physical states back to normal.

For more information, reach out to a local behavioral health service.