Depression is a mental illness that affects millions of people around the world. It can be difficult to understand why certain people are more vulnerable to depression than others, and it’s important to remember that different factors can affect how individuals experience the illness. While we mostly consider depression a mental health disorder, affecting our minds, it’s also important to be aware of the physical symptoms of depression.
This blog post will explore depression and its physical symptoms, common illnesses associated with depression, and how to seek treatments for mental illnesses. We will also discuss the benefits of seeking help from a mental health professional. By the end of this post, you should better understand how depression can affect your physical health and you should be able to answer the question, “can depression make you sick?”
Physical Symptoms of Depression
Depression is a common mental health condition that can significantly impact a person’s physical health. Many people don’t realize just how devastating depression can be, not only to a person’s mind but also to their body. The physical symptoms of depression are not talked about as often, even though they are often the symptoms that pose the most immediate risk.
Depression can lead to many physical symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Weight gain
- Weight loss
- Difficulty sleeping
- High blood pressure
- Weakened immune system
- Extreme lethargy
These are only some of the most common physical symptoms. Depression can also alter pain perception, and even cause chronic physical pain. Some physical signs of depression may be severe enough to require medical attention. Depression can lead to other medical issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome, heart disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, weight fluctuations, and diabetes. If left untreated, depression can also lead to substance abuse or suicide.
Understanding The Impact Of Psychological Stress On Your Health
Stress and depression can harm your health in several ways. Research has shown that anxiety and depression can lead to serious physical ailments like heart disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, physical pain, and stroke.
Uncontrolled stress hormones can weaken immune system functioning. A weakened immune system makes you more susceptible to other illnesses. Psychological stress can have a negative impact on digestion, causing digestive issues and weight gain or weight loss.
Depression may lead to fatigue and difficulty sleeping, reducing overall energy. Untreated depression can cause memory problems and difficulty concentrating. Understanding mental and physical health connections can help people better manage their depression.
To reduce the impact of stress on your health, it’s essential to understand how it works.
How Does Stress Impact Us?
Stress is any psychological pressure or discomfort we experience regularly1. It’s often referred to as the crisis response because our body releases hormones like cortisol (the stress hormone) when it arises. Too much cortisol is bad for us because it increases our body fat storage levels and decreases our muscle mass levels – both of which negatively impact our cardiovascular health.
If you’re experiencing significant levels of stress in your life, there are some things that you can do to help manage it.
For example, try relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises or yoga. Taking regular time for self-care will help reduce overall levels of cortisol in your system and restore equilibrium in your brain-body connection. And lastly, remember that talking about what’s been stressing you out is always helpful! Whether speaking openly about the feelings and symptoms you are struggling with, whether it be talk therapy or just talking with a friend, can help others understand where you’re at, and hopefully provide some support.
The Benefits Of Seeing A Mental Health Professional
Major Depressive Disorder can be a tricky condition to deal with, and it can seriously impact your physical health. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to treat depression, adopting more healthy habits can help you improve your overall mood and well-being.
First and foremost, seeing a mental health expert allows you to discuss your feelings openly and struggles with someone who understands them. This can give you the support that you need to manage depression effectively. In addition, psychiatrists are trained in treating various types of depression so that they can offer effective treatment options.
Maintaining good mental health is essential for many reasons. First and foremost, it allows you to function productively at work or school. Good mental health also leads to improved self-esteem and confidence, which can lead to tremendous success in life. Finally, although it’s not always easy, a positive mindset is an essential part of managing depression symptoms. By developing healthy coping mechanisms and strategies for maintaining good mental health, it’s much easier for a person to manage their symptoms.
Alternative Treatments For Treatment-Resistant Major Depression
For those who have tried traditional treatments for mood disorders without success, there may be a range of alternative therapies that can help. Treatment options for someone with depression may vary depending on the severity of their condition, and the mental and physical symptoms they are dealing with.
Maintaining good mental health is essential for overall physical health. If you’re struggling with your mental health, improve your emotional well-being and physical health. These alternative treatments include diet and lifestyle changes, herbal and vitamin supplements, acupuncture, mindfulness and relaxation techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Eating healthy foods and getting exercise have been shown to reduce stress and other depression symptoms in the long term.
With alternative treatments, the focus is on improving overall well-being rather than treating the symptoms of major depression. For example, diet and lifestyle changes may help to reduce stress, reduce triggers for depression, and improve overall physical health. Herbal and vitamin supplements may help boost mood, while acupuncture and relaxation techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective way to change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors related to depression, allowing people to create new positive thought patterns and behaviors that lead to improved mental health.
Another form of treatment is ketamine. Ketamine is an FDA-approved alternative treatment for treatment-resistant depression. It is an anesthetic drug that blocks the NMDA receptors in the brain, which helps to reduce symptoms of depression. Ketamine is sometimes used with antidepressants and can be administered in several ways, including intravenous therapy, int nasal spray, and ketamine infusion therapy. Groundbreaking studies show that ketamine has a unique ability to target the symptoms of depression and provide fast-acting relief.
Finally, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is another highly effective treatment for depression that’s twice as effective as medication and covered by most insurance. TMS uses gentle magnetic pulses to treat mood at the source. TMS has fewer side effects than oral medication and in some cases, no side effects at all.
Seeking Treatment for Depression in California
Depression is a mental illness that can have a significant and lasting impact on physical health. It can manifest itself through various physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomach problems, and chronic pain. Fortunately, effective treatments are available to help manage the symptoms of depression and improve overall physical health.
At Neuro Wellness Spa, we offer a range of depression treatment options to help you regain their mental and physical health. Our experienced psychiatrists, nurse practitioners and therapists collaborate to provide individualized care plans to help our clients find robust and sustainable solutions to manage their depressive symptoms, reduce their physical symptomatology, and lead healthier and happier lives.
To learn more about our in-person and online psychiatry for medication management, in-person and online psychotherapy, or TMS therapy, contact us today. Don’t let depression continue to bring you down, your journey to improved mental health and well being is only a call or click away.
References
- Stress. (2024, May 20). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11874-stress