Most people understand what the emotional symptoms of depression are but may not be aware of physical ones. It is so important that a person recognize the symptoms and get help as soon as possible.

Fatigue and Exhaustion - No matter how much sleep you get at night you still feel exhausted or fatigued every day. Trying to get out of bed in the morning may be extra difficult to do.

Headaches - Regular headaches are a common symptom of depression. Headaches may be worse than ones that you have ever experienced before.

Aches and Pains - Depression makes chronic pain worse and you may have body aches that you don't know where they are coming from.

Sleep Problems - You may not be able to fall asleep and get much less sleep than you should or on the other spectrum you may sleep much more than you normally do or should.

Change in Appetitive - Just like sleep problems there are two ends of the spectrum. Some people report that they have an increases appetitive while others may not be hungry at all and don't want to eat.

Some people may say that these physical symptoms are all in your head, but there is actual evidence that depression causes physical ailments and is not just an emotional or mental disorder. If you have more than one of these physical symptoms, or you have one of these physical symptoms as well as emotional symptoms such as severe mood changes or lack of desire to do anything, then you need to see your doctor immediately and seek help.

    

Sleep disturbances and changes in appetite were the most noticeable signs of my depression. I couldn't sleep for more than a few hours at a time, and I dropped a bit of weight because I was never hungry. The lack of sleep really took a toll on me.

I have bipolar/manic depression,and I also can't sleep.My brain does not 'shut up'. Often I take sleeping pills to sleep.They help me deal with the pain I have in my body.I only allow myself 2 night a week,because I could become addicted to them.

The mood swings are torture,especially for those around me...lol
I try to stay away from things that cause my panic attacks and that triggers anxiety,which only leads to more sleepless nights...

At least for me,it's a cycle,never ending and yes the symtoms are real,real pain,real hurts,it's not in our heads.

I am sorry to hear about your severe depression aalexander. It sounds like you are trying to take control of it though, instead of letting it control you!

Thank you for this list of symptoms. In my personal opinion I think that people have depression and don’t realize it because they want to blame it on something else. Its great to know these symptoms so we can aware for those around us that might be showing signs.

You are right. We can not blame others for our depression.In doing so,we will only make them want to stay away.The people who love us are the ones who will try to help.We don't need to shew them away.

We often alienate ourselves from people anyway.That's the worst thing we can do is to space others off.

Aalexander, do you take medications that treat bipolar disorder? I know that sometimes it's difficult to find the right combination of meds, but they can really make a difference in your overall quality of life.

Are you diagnosed with Bipolar I or II? ((Hugs))

People who are severely depressed should consult with a doctor. Only a doctor can help you get better either by recommending you to a therapist or prescribing medication.
Some people believe that they'll get better on their own and they don't anything about it. But it won't get better unless you get help.

I have ongoing medical problems since I was a child. I handled everything pretty well as I have an awesome support system. I was recently in the hospital for a blood clot in my arm. This was EXTREMELY painful so they were giving me a combo of fentanyl and dilaudid. When I came home I went into a deep depression, crying constantly. Told my doc and he said I should try celexa. I hated it! I had insomnia for three days with it. Thankfully after I stopped the celexa the depression went away with it. I honestly think I was having a reaction to the pain meds I was on. Anyone ever have something like this?


Julianna~

Yes, we can't blame other. i had depression but now i recovered from it...

Physical signs of depression can include sudden weight loss, sleep problems such as early morning or frequent awakenings, restlessness, anxiety, problems with concentration or decision-making, poor memory, tiredness etc.