Your physical health can be affected by depression, and depression itself can be brought on by a chronic illness. This is because our physical and mental well-being are deeply linked.
If you or your loved one has symptoms of depression, such as persistent low mood, sadness, hopelessness, not being able to enjoy happy moments, social withdrawal, and lack of interest in activities, see a doctor. You might visit the leading psychiatrist in Siliguri.
For emotional and physiological health concerns, seeing a psychiatrist is advisable. However, you can primarily consult your general physician. Here, this blog exclusively talks about the effects of depression on physical health. Read on to know further.
Here’s how depression can impact your physical health:
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is among the most prevalent physical signs of depression, which includes headaches, joint pain, abdominal pain, and muscle aches. Changes in brain chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine, which control mood and pain, may cause people with depression to become more sensitive to pain.
Fatigue
Fatigue is another significant physical symptom of depression. However, this feeling is more than just feeling tired — an overwhelming sense of exhaustion that doesn’t improve or heal with rest. Depression-induced fatigue can interfere with daily activities and affect quality of life.
So, if you notice your fatigue hasn’t improved with rest and you have an ongoing low mood, you should consult a doctor. If you’ve been diagnosed with depression, you can receive treatment from the most trusted depression doctor in Siliguri.
Sleep Problems
Depression and sleep issues often go hand-in-hand, causing changes in sleep patterns. Some people experience insomnia or trouble falling asleep, while others may oversleep or experience an ongoing feeling of drowsiness.
Untreated depression can lead to chronic sleep disturbances, which can cause other health issues such as heart disease, hormonal disorders, obesity, and diabetes.
Weakened Immune System
As per medical data or articles, depression has been shown to suppress immunity. Thus, making people with depression more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
The body produces more cortisol, a stress hormone, while there’s long-term stress and depression. Over time, high levels of cortisol can weaken the immune system, which makes the body less capable of fending off even common flu and colds.
Plus, chronic inflammation is often a result of depression, which might lead to autoimmune diseases. For personalized and effective depression treatment, consult the best psychiatrist in Siliguri, Dr. Arunava Datta.
Cardiovascular Health
Many studies have established a connection between depression and heart health. People with depression are at a higher risk of getting cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.
Depression can make someone more dependent on smoking, and alcohol, which over time can affect cardiovascular health. Additionally, depression can interfere with diet, and lifestyle, increasing the risk for the same.
Digestive Issues
Depression and anxiety can cause constipation, diarrhea, poor digestion, nausea, and some more serious digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Consulting a doctor for ongoing digestive concerns is a must. Your doctor may advise lifestyle guidance, and stress management methods, besides medications and therapies.
Poor Sexual Health
Many times, depression affects sexual life, contributing to a loss of libido/ low sex drive. Also, depression can be responsible for erectile dysfunction and low sexual satisfaction.
Do not take any medicines without consulting your doctor to treat sexual health concerns if you have depression. It is depression that needs medical attention. With effective treatment, other aspects of your well-being will improve.
For optimal depression treatment in Siliguri, visit the top psychiatrist in town. Reach out to your trusted doctor for successful outcomes.
