Your body tends to respond to its thoughts; for example, if you think you are hungry, your stomach may start to growl. While depression is considered a mental health disorder, there are many ways that depression can affect our bodies physically. It is essential to be physically and mentally healthy, which starts with receiving treatment for your depression.
Depression Can Cause Physical Pain
While depression can make you sensitive to emotional pain, it can also make you more sensitive to physical pain. People with depression tend to complain about general soreness and aches all over, with the back, joints, and limbs being the prime areas of pain. Talking to a doctor about any physical pain that accompanies depression can help you develop a plan to combat it.
Digestive Issues
Depression can be very hard to stomach — literally. While depression starts in the mind, it can travel to the gut and wreak havoc. You may be experiencing digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, bloating, or having trouble eating due to your poor mood. If your digestive symptoms go beyond two weeks, it is time to speak to your doctor by making a list of your symptoms, when they started, how long they last, and if you have had them in the past. This way, you can see if your stomach issues go beyond depression.
Sleep Issues and Depression
When you are depressed, the world can seem like a cruel place; this may mean staying in bed to avoid the world and continue to sleep. On the other hand, some people may have trouble sleeping because their depressive thoughts keep them awake. Not getting enough sleep can lead to insomnia if this depressive side effect continues. It is crucial to speak to your therapist about what is keeping you in bed for long periods or what is keeping you awake at night. If you are experiencing physical symptoms that interfere with your daily life due to your depression, seek help to ensure overall health.
The mind and the body send messages to each other and react to one another. If your depressive symptoms are bothering you mentally, your physical health can take a toll in the form of chronic pain, stomach issues, sleep, and more. At Alta Loma, we understand what can happen to your body when you are depressed, and we will not let your depression go untreated. Located in Georgetown, Texas, our transformative treatment center can offer you individualized therapy, medication management, coping skills education, and more. Give us a call at (866) 457-3843 to learn more about our services.
