Depression is not just a mental disorder that affects one’s mood and cognitive abilities. It can also cause physical symptoms that can be debilitating and disruptive to one’s life.

These symptoms can often go undiagnosed or overlooked, as they are not typically associated with depression. Understanding the physical symptoms that accompany depression can help identify the disorder early on and prompt the person to seek medical attention.

1. Fatigue and Loss of Energy

One of the most common physical symptoms of depression is fatigue. Depression can make it difficult for individuals to carry out daily routines as they may feel drained both physically and emotionally.

This sense of tiredness and lack of energy can be disruptive to an individual’s work, school, or daily life activities.

2. Insomnia or Hypersomnia

Insomnia refers to difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep. Those experiencing depression may struggle with insomnia, while others may experience hypersomnia, which is excessive sleeping.

Individuals with hypersomnia may feel an overwhelming urge to sleep during the day or find it challenging to get out of bed in the morning.

3. Changes in Appetite and Weight

Depression can lead to significant changes in appetite and weight. Some individuals may experience an increase in appetite and gain weight, while others may experience a decrease in appetite, which may lead to weight loss.

These changes in appetite and weight can elicit a sense of loss of control and increase the severity of depressive symptoms.

4. Unexplained Aches and Pains

Individuals with depression may experience unexplained aches and pains without a clear physical cause. These aches and pains can manifest as headaches, back pain, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal problems.

These symptoms can also exacerbate feelings of anxiety and lead to further physical and emotional distress.

5. Digestive Issues

Depression can contribute to digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, and indigestion. These physical symptoms may be a result of altered hormone levels, changes in appetite, or abnormalities in the gut-brain axis.

Treating digestive issues can improve an individual’s overall physical and mental health.

6. Increased Sensitivity to Pain

Depressed individuals may have increased sensitivity to pain. This heightened sensitivity can increase the severity of pain felt in medical conditions such as arthritis, migraines, and fibromyalgia.

These physical symptoms can often exacerbate anxiety and increase the severity of depressive symptoms.

7. Difficulty Breathing

Individuals with depression may experience difficulty breathing due to heightened anxiety levels. These physical symptoms may feel like shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, or difficulty breathing adequately.

Diaphragmatic breathing exercises and other relaxation techniques can help in managing anxiety and alleviate breathing difficulties.

8. Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure

Depression can cause fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure. These physical symptoms can increase as anxiety levels rise and lead to increased cardiovascular risk.

It is essential to monitor these physical symptoms to avoid further health complications.

9. Sexual Dysfunction

Depression can cause sexual dysfunction, which can lead to decreased libido and difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection or reaching orgasm.

These physical symptoms can lead to decreased self-esteem, decreased quality of life, and increased severity of depressive symptoms.

10. Lowered Immunity

Depression can lead to an increased risk of infection and illness as the body’s immune system is weakened.

This physical symptom can further decrease the quality of life and the ability to carry out daily routines, leading to an overall decrease in well-being.