Mental health is just as important as physical health. This is a familiar concept on social media.
Depression, for example, not only affects your psyche but also appears in various physical ways, highlighting the intricate relationship between mind and body.
Unveiling Surprising Physical Symptoms of Depression
Let’s examine five unexpected physical symptoms of depression that extend beyond the reason.
Weakened Immunity
Depression can have a significant impact on an individual’s immune system. Serotonin, the ‘happy’ hormone, is essential for psychological health and immunity. When serotonin levels fall, your susceptibility to sadness increases and your immunity weakens, making you more vulnerable to illness.
According to research, individuals with negative emotional styles, frequently associated with depression, show more severe symptoms when exposed to common viruses such as the cold-causing rhinovirus.
Digestive Distress
Surprisingly, approximately 90 percent of serotonin is produced in the intestines. Depression can disrupt the synthesis of serotonin in the stomach, leading to digestive issues such as bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, and cramping.
In addition, the emotional distress caused by these digestive issues can prompt the release of cortisol, a stress hormone, which can further deplete serotonin levels and contribute to fatigue and inflammation, both of which are associated with depression.
Heightened Sensitivity to Pain
Depression can alter your pain perception, heightening your sensitivity to physical discomfort.
A change in your ‘vital sense’ can make familiar sensations, such as stubbing your toe or experiencing menstrual cramps, more acute and excruciating.
The absence of pain-blocking neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine makes you more susceptible to experiencing pain.
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Overwhelming Fatigue
Depression can trigger excessive tiredness and frailty, leaving you feeling exhausted and listless. While rest is essential, too much sleep or erratic sleep patterns can exacerbate these feelings and aggravate depression in the long run.
A disturbed sleep schedule may lead to mood disturbances and worsen the symptoms of depression.
Self-Care Neglect
When depression takes hold, even the most fundamental self-care practices can become challenging. Motivation wanes, leading to a need for more activities such as personal hygiene. This is more than a ‘lazy weekend.’
This neglect can manifest as greasy skin, dandruff, hair loss, acne, body odor, and even yeast infections. A decline in self-care can indicate emotional difficulties.
While experiencing these physical symptoms does not necessarily indicate depression, they should prompt you to seek professional assistance.
Occasionally, the physical manifestations alert us to a more fundamental issue. Indeed, mental and physical health are interconnected, and recognizing these indicators is essential for addressing emotional well-being and seeking appropriate support.
Read more: Gamma Enhancement Shows Promise As A Potential Approach For Combating Depression: Study Finds
