Depression is a common mental illness, with more than half of the patients experiencing physical symptoms of depression or currently undergoing physical manifestations. For many potential depression patients, going to the hospital is just to treat some inexplicable bodily pain. What are the common physical symptoms of depression?
I. Common physical symptoms of depression
â‘ . Sleep disorders
A common symptom in patients is early waking, possibly 2-3 hours earlier than normal waking time, with difficulty falling back asleep. Other symptoms may include insomnia, vivid dreams, poor sleep quality, light sleep, and easy arousal. However, some patients may also experience excessive sleep.
â‘¡. Chronic fatigue
Regular low-intensity exercise can help alleviate fatigue. Gradually increasing exercise intensity helps the body adapt to physical activity, aiding in relieving fatigue.
â‘¢. Chest tightness and pain
Feeling tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, or discomfort or pain in the chest sometimes leads patients to suspect heart or lung problems when examined by a doctor, but there are no issues. These are common physical manifestations of depression.
â‘£. Muscle tension and pain
Unexplained continuous muscle and joint pain may indicate depression. Worth noting is that the likelihood of pain caused by depression is three times higher than in the general population. For instance, the probability of developing neck/shoulder pain or back pain in individuals with depression is about four times higher than in the normal population.
⑤. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction symptoms
During a depressive episode, some patients may experience symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, palpitations, sweating hands and feet, and skin sensory abnormalities like numbness. Some patients may also experience disorders in visceral systems like the gastrointestinal or urinary systems, leading to symptoms like bloating, constipation, frequent urination, or urgency.
â‘¥. Sexual dysfunction
Decreased libido, premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction in males, and irregular menstruation, decreased menstrual flow, or amenorrhea in females are common symptoms of depression.
II. How to self-rescue from depression
â‘ . Identify and accept symptoms
Patients need to recognize that these symptoms are indicative of depression and not another ailment. It is crucial to acknowledge the presence of these symptoms rather than opposing or ignoring them.
â‘¡. Rest and relax
During symptom onset, it is crucial for patients to rest and relax. This can be achieved through deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques. Adequate sleep is also a key factor in recovery.
â‘¢. Find a safe environment
During symptom onset, patients should seek a safe space, such as their home or a hospital. Avoiding stimulating environments and people, like work stress or problematic relationships, is essential.
â‘£. Communicate actively with others
When symptoms arise, it is vital for patients to communicate with others. Sharing feelings and symptoms with friends, family, or professionals can alleviate emotional burden, provide support, and understanding.
⑤. Maintain diet and hydration
During symptom onset, it is necessary for patients to maintain a healthy diet and hydration. Avoiding hunger or dehydration can worsen symptoms.
â‘¥. Seek professional help
If symptoms are severe or prolonged, seeking professional help is essential. Psychotherapists or psychiatrists can offer tailored treatment and management advice for depression.
It is recommended for patients with depression to pay attention to their psychological and physical changes in daily life, acquire relevant knowledge, and avoid delaying treatment. If experiencing unresolved symptoms, seek timely medical attention to avoid excessive worrying exacerbating the condition.
