What Can Depression Do to Your Body?

If you are depressed you may experience physical pain and discomfort, along with the emotional aspects. Serotonin and nor-epinephrine are neurotransmitters in the brain that control mood as well as physical pain. When normal levels malfunction you have symptoms of depression as well as physical ailments. Treating the physical problems as well as the emotional symptoms is important to your recovery. It is critical to seek medical help for depression, particularly if you are having thoughts of suicide or constantly thinking about death.

Headache and Stomach Pain

• You may experience headaches, stomach or abdominal pain because of an increased sensitivity to pain when you are depressed.

Back and Joint Pain

• You may experience back and joint pain with depression.

Changes in Weight

• Depression can affect your appetite and bring about weight loss or weight gain.

Sleeping Problems

• When you are depressed, you may have difficulty sleeping because of distressing thoughts that occupy your mind and keep you awake. You may also be at the other extreme, and want to sleep constantly to avoid having to function with everyday activities.

Anxiety and Irritability

• Depression may cause your mood to change drastically, and can include extreme anxiety as well as irritability with those close to you. Lack of control over your emotions can lead to further depression.