You may recognize the hallmark of depression: feeling sad all the time.
But did you know that it can cause constipation? Or even back pain?
These are just two of the little-known warning signs of the mental disorder that affects 280 million people worldwide.
MailOnline’s breakdown of some of the other symptoms of depression comes after Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman returned to Congress yesterday after nearly two months away due to clinical depression.
The Democrat caused a stir with his “frightening” and “disturbing” first speech.
Videos of Fetterman speaking at the meetings were posted on Twitter by Greg Price on Wednesday afternoon and immediately went viral, racking up millions of views within hours
changes in appetite
An inadvertent change in appetite can be caused by depression.
Whether someone eats less and loses weight, or eats too much and gains weight, a persistent bad mood can be to blame, according to Mind.
The NHS also lists a change in appetite as a symptom of depression, but the reason for this is unclear.
The Priory Group, best known for treating addicted celebrities, says this can happen when depressed people lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, such as cooking or eating.
“People tend to have low energy when they’re depressed – this can mean that cooking or eating can be too much for them,” she adds.
“Depression can also make people feel sad, worthless or hopeless. When they have so much on their minds, they can forget to eat.”
Low sex drive
Depression can also affect your sex life.
According to the NHS, stress, anxiety and depression have been found to lead to reduced libido.
Imbalances in brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine are linked to depression and are believed to play a role in this change in sex drive, experts say.
Low libido can also be the side effect of some antidepressants, says the NHS.
According to the NHS, stress, anxiety and depression have been found to lead to reduced libido
disturbed sleep
It’s a doom run.
Scientists say poor sleep can make you vulnerable to the darkest depths of depression.
But being depressed—and struggling with the challenges of everyday life—can also wreak havoc on your efforts to get some shut-eye.
But not only does it disrupt your sleep and cause insomnia, it can also make you want to sleep all the time.
Move slowly
In addition, the physical symptoms of depression include moving more slowly than usual.
So much so that it can make even showering, brushing teeth and cooking difficult.
The NHS also says it can cause patients to speak more slowly.
This is medically known as psychomotor retardation. Scientists aren’t sure how or why this happens, but they believe it has to do with low levels of the “feel good” chemical dopamine.
Neglect hobbies and interests
A lack of interest in things that turn you on is not always a cause for concern.
But it is often associated with depression.
The NHS says the disease can leave people with no motivation, no interest in things and no joy in life.
Avoid contact with friends
Just like losing interest in hobbies you once loved, depression can also make you want to isolate yourself from your friends.
Avoiding social events you normally enjoy and feeling isolated or unable to interact with other people is linked to depression, says Mind.
Other social symptoms include problems at home, at work or in family life.
Irritability and intolerance of others can also be a sign of depression, according to the NHS.
Difficulty making decisions
When you struggle with depression, you may find it difficult to make decisions.
According to Mind, if you find it more difficult to verbalize your thoughts, think clearly or make simple decisions, this is a warning sign of depression.
It can also make it difficult to focus on tasks.
“Depression is usually the result of a disruption or reduction in brain chemical messengers,” says NeuroScienceNews.
“These interruptions can also affect your cognitive abilities.”
constipation
Depression, stress and anxiety can also wreak havoc on your bowel movements.
Any worry and excitement can upset the delicate balance of digestion, according to the NHS.
It adds that in some people digestion can slow down and cause constipation, bloating and pain, but others find that speeding it up causes diarrhea.
Poor diet, which can be a symptom of depression, can also damage your digestive system.
In some people with depression, digestion may slow down, causing constipation, bloating and pain, while in others it speeds up and causes diarrhea
restlessness
Depression can also cause some people’s movements and thoughts to speed up instead of slowing down.
Psychomotor agitation, which is common in psychotic episodes, can mean people can’t sit still or relax and are constantly fidgeting, says the NHS.
According to Mind, this restlessness can also make people feel excited.
People with this symptom of depression are more likely to have suicidal thoughts, the NHS warns.
discomfort and pain
Physical pain without an obvious physical problem can be a sign of depression, according to Mind.
You may experience abdominal pain, pain in your legs and arms and feel tired if you are depressed.
It can be because your body is in a constant state of stress, which the NHS says can cause your muscles to tighten.
Another theory suggests that the pain may be caused by the dysregulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which is thought to cause many of the symptoms of depression.
Source link
Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
