Depressionis a mental health condition that causes sadness and low mood.
It also covers when to see a healthcare provider and how treatment can help even the most severe symptoms.
Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health
What Is Depression?
Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health
Depression is a mental health condition that affects how well a person can function in daily life.
Biochemistry, genetics, personality, and environmental factors are believed to play a role in its development.
People withmajor depressive disorderexperience symptoms that greatly affect their previous level of functioning and last at least two weeks.
But depression can also have physical symptoms such as fatigue, sleep difficulties, and gastrointestinal problems.
Physical Symptoms of Depression
Depression is associated with a wide array of physical symptoms.
These pains can range from mild to severe enough to impact a person’s functioning.
The connection is thought to occur because depression and pain share the same nerve pathways and brain chemicals.
Some studies have shown that the worse the physical pain symptoms, the more severe the depression is.
The digestive tract can also send signals to the brain.
A stomachache may contribute to or be the result of depression,anxiety, orstress.
This increased risk may be explained, at least in part, by lifestyle habits associated with depression.
Depression symptoms such as exhaustion can make meal planning and cooking more difficult.
This may make it harder to maintain a nutritious diet.
Depression is also associated with changes to the hormonecortisol, which can affect stress levels.
This may lead to “emotional eating,” in which a person eats in response to negative emotions.
What Comes First?
Many of the physical symptoms associated with depression can either contribute to depression or be due to depression.
It can sometimes be difficult to tell which came first.
Discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider to find an accurate diagnosis and the most appropriate course of treatment.
Getting a proper diagnosis is the first step in managing depression.
Recognize that depression is an illness, not someone being “difficult.”
Encourage them to seek professional help and support them in doing so.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
You may be recommended psychotherapy, medication, or both.
Fortunately, there are many therapeutic options available, even for the most severe cases.
Here’s what your healthcare provider may recommend.
Antidepressants are typically well-tolerated.
Summary
Depression is a mental health condition characterized by sadness and low mood or energy.
People experiencing physical symptoms should discuss them with their healthcare provider.
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