VERIFIED CONTENTAuthor: Klaudia Kierzkowska, graduate of chemistry at the University of Warsaw

As many as 4 million Poles struggle with depression, which is the fourth most serious disease in the world. Mental dysfunctions that can affect anyone are often difficult to diagnose. What are the physical symptoms of depression? Check what may herald depression.

Somatic symptoms often become an image of mental discomfort. Although we usually associate depression only with emotional disturbance - a sense of anxiety, fear, low mood and low self-esteem, let's not forget that mental illnesses can manifest themselves in physical pain. What somatic symptoms may indicate the development of the disease?

Physical symptoms of depression - constant fatigue

Depression is a "sad" disease accompanied by fatigue and low energy levels. Patients often do not have the will and strength to live, they are sleepy, apathetic and would prefer to spend the whole day in bed.

Even after resting and taking a nap, they feel tired and sleepy. Unfortunately, many diseases or viral or bacterial infections cause similar symptoms, and thus it can be difficult to link low energy levels with depression.

Physical symptoms of depression - lack of appetite

Reluctance to eat is one of the symptoms of depression, known as the disease of the 21st century. Patients are not interested in eating or drinking, and if they could, they would most likely stop eating at all.

However, a lack of appetite may also be one of the first symptoms of another disease, e.g. cancer. Therefore, the reluctance to eat - at home or with a loved one - should not be underestimated.

Physical symptoms of depression - problems with the digestive system

Psychiatric illnesses often cause digestive problems such as diarrhea, constipation, gas, or stomach pain. Doctors sometimes diagnose depression in people reporting gastrointestinal problems.

If your symptoms worsen under the influence of stress and negative emotions, they most likely indicate mental problems. Symptoms accompanying depression are easily confused with inflammatory bowel diseases or irritable bowel syndrome.

Physical Symptoms of Depression - Abdominal Pain

Pain in the abdomen may be caused bypsychological. Pain can provoke or intensify, for example, severe stress, high emotions, as well as depression.

Mental illnesses do not always have to manifest themselves with mental symptoms that are considered typical by many. They are often masked and are accompanied only by physical ailments.

Physical symptoms of depression - headache

Probably everyone has experienced a headache. It often appears in a stressful, nervous and problematic situation. Most often we do not take it seriously - it will soon pass.

However, few people realize that a constantly felt and recurring headache can mean depression. Pain accompanying mental disorders does not have to obstruct everyday functioning, it does not resemble migraine pain.

Physical symptoms of depression - Muscle pain

Psychologists and pediatricians agree that emotional problems and mental illness cause chronic muscle pain. Patients often complain of persistent back pain, which may not be related to bad posture or trauma.

According to recent research, muscle pain may be related to the brain's circuits - inflammation can interfere with brain signals, which in turn contributes to the development of depression.

Physical symptoms of depression - visual impairment

Depression affects cognitive functioning. Patients struggle with concentration disorders, memory impairment and reduced cognitive flexibility. Additionally, mental problems make vision worse.

Depressed people may find it difficult to distinguish between black and white, which is called 'contrast perception'.

Physical symptoms of depression - Palpitations

Depression causes a number of somatic symptoms, including chest pain and palpitations.

Many people suffering from mental illnesses go through a series of medical appointments trying to cure heart palpitations, which no one links to depression.

Category:

Psychology