How Does Depression Manifest Physically? 4 Common Symptoms

Depression impacts everyone differently. But, it comes with a variety of common symptoms that most people tend to deal with—at least some of the time. 

Because depression is a mental condition, it’s not uncommon to recognize that it impacts your mental well-being in negative ways. Some of the most common symptoms include irritability, a feeling of hopelessness, and extreme sadness. 

But, depression can also manifest itself physically. 

By familiarizing yourself with some of the physical symptoms, you can either receive the right diagnosis sooner, or learn how to manage those symptoms by treating your depression the right way. 

So, what are some of the possible physical manifestations of depression?

1. Fatigue

Perhaps the most common physical symptom, fatigue can be a huge problem for those dealing with depression. 

You’ve probably heard of or seen the stereotype of a depressed person laying in bed, unable to face the day. Part of that issue could be the overwhelming feelings of sadness causing them emotional pain. 

But, fatigue and exhaustion are very real things with this mental health condition. You might find that your energy levels are completely depleted. Your eyes might burn and sting, wanting to close. 

Sleep is incredibly important for people with depression, but it can also sometimes be hard to get a good night’s rest, contributing to a vicious cycle that may make your symptoms worse.

2. More Pain

Aches and pains aren’t necessarily uncommon for anyone. But, if you’re experiencing some kind of muscle pain, you usually know the cause. 

With depression, that kind of pain can come at any time. Your body might ache or feel sore for no real reason at all. 

Not only can you feel pain “for no reason,” but how you respond to pain with depression might be different. Studies have shown that people with depression tend to have a lower tolerance for pain. Something that might not feel so bad normally could feel ten times worse if you’re struggling with depression.

3. Stomach Issues

If you regularly experience abdominal pain or cramping, it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong with your physical health. It could be your depression fueling that discomfort. 

Your gut health and your mental health are closely linked. Some researchers have gone so far as to call the gut a “second brain” because it responds to stress in such a unique way. The more stressed your mind is, the more stressed your body will be. That can obviously show up in ways like muscle pain and tension, listed above. 

But, it can also cause you to have serious digestive issues. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it cal lead to things like constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Tension Headaches

Everyone experiences headaches sometimes. Whether you’re overly stressed from work, staring at a computer screen for too long, or experiencing a change in the weather, they’re fairly common. 

People with depression, however, often experience a different type of headache called “tension headaches”. These can usually cause a feeling of pressure in your head, neck, and shoulders. Unfortunately, one of the clear signs that depression is causing your headaches is if they happen every day, or at least several times a week. 

While over-the-counter products can help with tension headaches, the last thing you want is to rely on them every day just to alleviate the pain. 

As you can see, there are many ways in which depression can manifest itself in your body. Unfortunately, these examples are only the tip of the iceberg. Depression can impact your entire life if it isn’t properly managed. 

If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. You don’t have to spend the rest of your life dealing with pain or discomfort due to depression.

Read more on our depression treatment page to see how therapy for depression could help you.