Physical Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Depression, which is also called major depressive disorder, is a serious medical condition that affects the way you think, feel, and behave. It causes emotional symptoms like sadness, overwhelm, and a loss of interest in pleasurable activities. It can also cause physical symptoms including fatigue, trouble sleeping, pain, slower movements, and appetite changes.

Depression affects 16 million people in the United States each year, and it’s estimated that about 1 in 6 people will experience a depressive episode at some point in their lives. 

Fatigue

One of the most common symptoms of depression is fatigue. Up to 90% of people with major depressive disorder experience fatigue or daytime sleepiness. 

Depression-related fatigue often feels like low energy, weakness, and a lack of motivation. You may also notice that you have difficulty concentrating and get overwhelmed more easily.

Fatigue is also a known side effect of antidepressant medications like tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). If you notice a difference in energy levels after starting depression medication, talk with your healthcare provider. 

Trouble Sleeping

Another reason why people with depression often feel tired during the day is because they have trouble sleeping. Difficulty falling and staying asleep are common depression symptoms. You may wake frequently throughout the night or wake up very early in the morning. Trouble sleeping can make fatigue and chronic pain worse. 

Pain

Depression doesn’t just cause emotional pain; it causes physical discomfort, too. People with depression often experience muscle aches and pains, as well as headaches, backaches, and joint pain. 

Both depression and chronic pain share the same neural pathways in the brain. This means that the nerves that affect your mood also affect your pain receptors. Some research suggests that people with depression have a lower pain tolerance than those without depression. 

A 2017 study found that people with depression are up to 60% more likely to develop back pain at some point in their lives than those who do not have depression. In addition, having chronic pain raises the risk of developing depression over time.

Slower Movements

Depression affects how your brain and body work together. People with depression, especially severe depression, may notice that their movements and words are slower than normal. Speech may be slower with more pauses and a monotone voice. 

You may also notice that your body movements feel slow, and fine motor tasks like writing or buttoning feel more difficult. People with depression often report a feeling of being “weighed down” when they try to move, walk, or exercise. 

Change in Appetite

A change in appetite is a common depression symptom. This can lead to significant weight gain or loss. There are a few reasons why this happens.

People with depression are often very tired during the day. This can make cooking and even eating difficult and can lead to weight loss. 

Depression affects the level of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can lead to food cravings. Your body may crave energy-dense foods like sweets or fried foods as a way to feel better. This can lead to weight gain over time. 

Symptoms in Children

Like adults, children and adolescents can experience a wide range of symptoms of depression. It is normal for all children to seem irritable sometimes or to experience bad moods. However, when a child seems to feel down most of the time, they may be experiencing depression.

Physical symptoms of depression in children and adolescents may include:

• Lower energy level
• Trouble sleeping
• Sleeping too much
• Change in appetite 
• Headaches
• Stomachaches 
  
• Increase in risky behavior

Symptoms in Men/Women

Men and women may experience depression and depression symptoms differently. It’s estimated that women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression. 

However, recent research has found that men may not be diagnosed with depression as often because their symptoms tend to be different. A 2013 study hypothesized that men may not experience common depression symptoms like sadness and crying because of cultural norms and stereotypes. It is possible that because these symptoms are not seen as traditionally masculine qualities, men may not report feeling them. 

Studies show that men with depression are more likely to feel anger rather than sadness. Men may be more likely to experience the following physical symptoms of depression:

• Aggressive behavior
• Substance use
• Risk-taking activities
• Withdrawal from friends and social events
• Sleep problems
  
• Headaches
• Stomach problems

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider 

Depression is a serious medical condition and requires treatment from a healthcare provider. Contact your provider if you notice yourself feeling sad or hopeless most of the time. Depression is treatable with medications and psychotherapy. 

Depression may cause thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation. If you are thinking of harming yourself, seek immediate support.

A Quick Review 

Depression is a medical condition that affects how you think, feel, and behave. It is common and affects up to 16 million people in the United States each year. Depression causes several emotional symptoms like sadness, anger, overwhelm, and a loss of interest in favorite activities. It can also cause physical symptoms. Physical symptoms of depression include fatigue, trouble sleeping, chronic pain, slower movements, and changes in appetite. 

Talk with your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your mood or physical symptoms. Depression is treatable with medications and psychotherapy.