If you've ever suffered from depression and had physical symptoms, it's likely someone told you they were all in your head. But studies indicate this is far from true! Many of the common signs/symptoms for depression actually have real-life causes that are medically backed up by doctors around the world - not just something happening inside one person’s head. Here are some common physical symptoms of depression.
Fatigue
While it’s normal to feel occasional periods of exhaustion, fatigue is a common symptom of depression. When we experience lower energy levels and can feel sluggish in the morning, it's not just because you're tired from your night's sleep; sometimes there are other factors at play such as depression.
Decreased pain tolerance
It’s a difficult balancing act of trying to feel better while also being able to function in your day-to-day life. This can be especially challenging for people struggling with depression, who tend have increased levels of pain and decreased tolerance compared those without mental health issues In one study from 2015 researchers showed a correlation between people who are depressed and decreased pain tolerance, while another study in 2010 showed that pain has a greater impact on people who are depressed.
Back pain
Do you feel ok in the morning and suffer from back pain later on? It could be stress, or it could be depression. Although they’re often associated with bad posture or injuries, backaches can also be a symptom of psychological distress.
Headaches
Headaches are a universal experience. They happen to the best of us, and we often write them off as nothing serious. However, your headache might not always be induced by stress. If you notice a switch to daily headaches, it could be a sign of depression.
Vision problems
Do you find that the world looks blurry? While this may sound like an unusual condition, research suggests there could actually be a connection between your mental health concern and vision problems including difficulty seeing differences in black or white which scientists call “contrast perception.” At Advanced Physical Medicine, our experienced physicians are here to help you live a pain-free life as safely as possible. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/physical-symptoms-of-depression#5.-Eye-problems-or-decreasing-vision