How Depression Affects your Body and Overall Wellbeing

Symptoms of depression

It is important to know the symptoms of depression so that you can seek the timely help of a professional. Here are some common ones:

• Feeling low, sad and empty most of the time

• Loss of sleep or sleeping excessively

• Increased pain sensitivity

• Issues with the digestive system

• Disturbing thoughts of suicide or death

• Loss of pleasure in doing activities that you enjoyed previously

• Change in appetite

• Sudden weight loss or weight gain

• Feeling weak and sluggish

• Feeling guilty, worthless and agitated

• Memory and concentration issues

• Inability to make decisions

How depression affects your physical health

Depression affects your body in many ways and increases the risk of other conditions. Here’s how depression can have negative effects on your physical wellbeing:

1. Low immunity:

Stress, anxiety and depression can affect the immune system and make you more susceptible to infections and other conditions. Hence, you may fall sick more often.

2. Chronic pain:

If you are suffering from depression,you may experience unexplained headaches and chronic back pain. You might also sufferfrom pain in the joints and chest. This happens due to unregulated serotonin hormone in the brain. Depression can also cause excessive sensitivity to pain.

3. Sleep issues:

Depression often leads to insomnia or oversleeping. You may find it difficult to fall asleep or sleep for small intervals. This will prevent your body from getting the restorative sleep that it needs. Lack of sleep can lead to headaches, daytime fatigue, and low productivity at work.

You may also tend to oversleep if depressed. This can prevent you from getting enough physical activity that is necessary for your overall physical and mental health.

4. Weight issues:

Some people tend to experience loss of appetite in depression. This leads to sudden weight loss, anxiety, mood swings, digestive distress and other health issues.

On the other hand, some overeat when depressed. This is also known as “emotional eating” and gradually leads to an increase in body weight.

5. Fatigue:

People with depression may feel lazy and tired most of the time. You may also experience mental fogginess and find it difficult to complete simple tasks, such as writing a letter or an email.

6. Gastrointestinal discomfort:

Nausea and diarrhoea are common physical symptoms of depression. Therefore, if you are suffering from depression, you might often experience an upset stomach that can go on for many days.

7. High blood pressure

Long episodes of depression can have a negative impact on the heart as well. Chronic stress increases blood pressure and the risk of life-threatening cardiovascular conditions too.

How to deal with depression

If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, the following tips can help deal with the condition:

• Practice mindfulness:

Instead of living in the past or being stressed about the future, be mindful and live in the present. Whenever you start to worry about things, watch your thoughts and focus on something else. You can also take a walk in the garden, try meditation or yoga, or listen to your favourite music. The main aim is to gain control over the thoughts that make you feel depressed.

• Do not engage in negative self-talk:

Watch your inner voice every time it starts saying something negative. In case you do a mistake, do not punish yourself for it. Also, if someone says something to you or treats you poorly, don’t take it on yourself and start feeling wrong or worthless. It is likely that the other person was stressed about something and they took out their anger on you.

• Try a hobby:

Engaging in a hobby or activity such as sketching, painting, gardening and photography can help deal with depression. You can also write down your thoughts or something that has upset you to get it out of your mind.

• Enjoy little things:

Have fun and do more things that make you happy. You can take a walk in the woods, enjoy meals at your favourite eateries, go to movies with friends, or talk to a loved one over the phone.

• Be grateful:

Whenever you feel sad or depressed, count your blessings and say thanks for the good things in life. This will help uplift your mood instantly and transform your life for the better.

• Have nutritious foods:

Foods rich in vitamin B, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients can help promote your mental health. Hence, make sure you include lots of nutritious foods and vegetables in your everyday diet.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are suffering from depression or mental health issues, making important changes to your lifestyle, and looking for the positive things in life can help. Also, take one day at a time and you will see things changing for the better. However, if nothing seems to be working, seek professional guidance, therapy, or treatment. Remember that depression is a temporary condition and there is light at the end of the tunnel.

One of the important components of our overall wellness is also being financially secured. Healthcare emergencies can happen any time, but a good health insurance policy can protect you from such uncertain situations. To know more about Wellness and other health related tips, visit the Wellness Corner.

Source: Mental Health Foundation, UK

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on November 11, 2021