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Signs & Symptoms of Stress and Depression

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, more than 5% of Americans are suffering from some sort of depressive disorder. Under severe stress the conditions of these depressive disorders can be exacerbated. Additionally those suffering from severe or chronic stress-related conditions have the potential to develop a depressive disorder.

  1. Depression

    • More than just feelings of sadness, depression is an every-day feeling of despair, lifelessness, emptiness and apathy that hinders a person's ability to function normally and enjoy activities.

    Symptoms of Clinical Depression

    • Symptoms of clinically-diagnosed depression include reduced or complete lack of energy, exhaustion, pessimistic views of the future, low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt, self-deprecation, mood swings, anger and irritability.

    Stress

    • When the body feels threatened or its balance is upset by something, it undergoes a physical response called stress to protect itself. When the stress response works properly, it provides extra strength for defense or to meet the challenge at hand.

    Symptoms of Chronic Stress

    • When the stress response is triggered constantly, the resulting signs include physical symptoms such as aching muscles and pain, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea and constipation. Stress also includes cognitive symptoms such as poor judgment, negativity, anxiety, racing thoughts and constant worry.

    Connection

    • Biological and psychological research conducted by the World Health Organization has confirmed a relationship between stress and depression: Stress contributes to depression and depression contributes to stress. The exact complex biological factors at work in the relationship are not yet fully understood.

    Commonalities

    • Chronic stress and clinical depression share many of the same indications including emotional symptoms (inability to relax; feeling agitated, overwhelmed, lonely or isolated) and behavioral symptoms (eating a lot or lack of appetite, hypersomnia or insomnia, neglecting duties and responsibilities, procrastination, as well as impaired concentration and memory).

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