For many, when they hear the word depression, they form a mental image of someone going through emotional distress – that is, if they believe that depression exists in the first place. Studies have proved that depression is a complicated mental disorder that causes both emotional as well as physical pain. And while many are aware of the emotional trauma, people are not aware of the physical symptoms that depressed people go through.

So let’s take a look at some of the physical symptoms of depression:

1. Consistently Low Energy Levels
If you have had a chance to come across anyone suffering from depression, then you might have noticed that they mostly seem fatigued and show really low energy levels. They are not enthusiastic about anything, have trouble maintaining concentration, and feel irritated very easily. This fatigue is caused by non-restorative sleep experienced by depressed individuals.

2. Decreased Pain Tolerance
Various studies have shown a direct correlation between people who are depressed and decreased pain tolerance. People in depression can often complain about experiencing pain in the body without any physical reason.

3. Headaches
While experiencing headaches is common for any adult given the stress of our everyday life, when it comes to people with depression, the headaches are often constant and occur daily. While the headaches experienced might not impair day-to-day functioning, they can cause irritability. They feel like a throbbing sensation mostly around the eyebrows. While pain killers might help with the pain, the headaches often re-occur regularly.

4. Eyesight Problems
A very common statement from someone suffering from depression would be that they suddenly find the world looking hazy. And while they say it because of the emotional pain and numbness, it turns out depression can actually affect your eyesight.

A German study has found a link between depression/ mental health and one’s eyesight. In the study, depressed individuals have difficulty seeing differences in black and white.

5. Stomach Problems
If you have ever experienced any traumatic event, then you are probably familiar with the sinking feeling in your stomach. When it comes to depression, that sinking feeling is often prolonged and accompanied by cramps, nausea, and bloating. According to researchers of Havard Medical School, constant stomach discomfort may be a sign of poor mental health. According to the research, depression can cause an inflamed digestive system.

Prolonged emotional distress in your body can manifest into pain. It is a way your brain warns you that something is wrong. If you notice these physical symptoms accompanied by emotional distress, then we suggest you talk to a psychologist or a psychiatrist at the earliest.