Mental health has become an increasingly discussed topic in society over the past few years, and with good reason.

According to the WHO, over 300 million people suffer from depression globally, which is leading to an increased awareness regarding mental health issues. Depression and anxiety are often associated with emotional distress, however, they can also result in various physical symptoms.

Types of Physical Symptoms

While mental health is largely associated with emotional wellbeing, it can also significantly impact physical health. The following physical symptoms may be experienced by individuals facing anxiety and depression-.

: 1. Fatigue

Depression and Anxiety can result in worrisome thoughts, which can lead to the exhaustion of mental energies. This can lead to a lack of physical energy, causing muscle fatigue, sluggishness, and general weakness.

: 2. Insomnia

Insomnia or an inability to sleep is a common symptom of depression. It can impact the body’s circadian rhythms, which can lead to sleep-related issues.

: 3. Headaches

Mental stress can lead to muscle tension and spasms. These muscular changes may lead to headaches, migraines, and muscle spasms in other critical organs.

: 4. Aches and Pains

Depression and anxiety can cause physical pain, such as fatigued and painful muscles, bones, and joints. This pain is often without an apparent source and is often a symptom of associated mental health conditions.

: 5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Various studies have found a link between gut health and mental health. Acute psychological stress can lead to inflammation across the gastrointestinal tract.

This inflammation may lead to increased intestinal permeability, which could manifest as various bowel-related symptoms.

: 6. Constricted Breathing

Anxiety may cause respiratory symptoms such as constricted breathing. When anxiety attacks, the body enters a prolonged phase of anxiety, leading to breathing problems, hyperventilation, and subsequent panic attacks.

: 7. Palpitations and Chest Pain

Depression and anxiety may lead to an increased heart rate, which can lead to palpitations, chest pain, and other cardiac symptoms. Anxiety disorders may also lead to other heart disorders such as hypertension, high cholesterol, or arrhythmia.

: 8. Sexual dysfunction

Depression can lead to a decreased interest in sex and performance anxiety. The physiological impact of depression or anxiety can impact the endocrine system, leading to poor reproductive health.

: 9. Dizziness and Nausea

Depression and anxiety may lead to delayed nausea, dizziness, or vertigo attacks. These symptoms arise due to changes in brain chemistry and the stimulation of the vagus nerve.

: 10. Skin problems

Depression and anxiety may result in the increased production of stress hormones such as cortisol. Cortisol levels in the bloodstream can lead to skin problems such as rashes, urticaria, inflammation, and eczema.

: Concluding thoughts

Depression and anxiety are serious mental health conditions that can have severe impacts on physical health. The symptoms listed above are just a few examples of how depression and anxiety may impact the body.

It is essential to seek adequate medical therapy to treat both the mental and physical symptoms of these conditions.