How Depression Impacts Your Physical Health

It’s not uncommon for a depressed person to feel like they cannot get out of bed, and sometimes this might actually be the case physically. Depression has a known impact on your bodily health, manifesting physically in a myriad of ways. If left untreated, depression can also put you at risk for other health conditions down the road.

At P.S. Psychiatry in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Dr. Mitchell Kho and his team work to diagnose, treat, and manage depression and symptoms of depressive disorders. Whether you come to our office or we visit you in your home via telehealth conference calling, we’re committed to ensuring you get the help you need.

Physical symptoms of depression 

The link between clinical depression and the rest of the body has been well documented, and it also makes sense logically. When you feel bad mentally, it can cause you to feel bad physically. This causes a feedback loop where it’s hard to tell whether you feel depressed because you feel bad, or if you feel bad because you’re depressed. 

Common physical manifestations of depression include: 

• Fatigue 
• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia or other sleep disturbances
• Low libido or sexual dysfunction
• Sleeping too much or too little 
• Muscle aches and pains
• Headaches 
• Back pain

In some cases, depression can even cause the immune system to weaken, causing you to get sick easier. This can be miserable, especially if you suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Depression takes a toll on the body the longer it goes untreated. Adults with prolonged depression are at higher risk of developing other health conditions such as: 

• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease
• Eating disorders 
• Digestive problems 

The fact that depression often shares comorbidity with chronic pain and other illnesses must be taken into account. A well-rounded treatment plan should look at your depression from all angles. 

At P.S. Psychiatry, our team believes that anyone seeking help should be treated with a view to whole health: mind, body, and spirit. We’ll complete a comprehensive evaluation of your needs, and create a treatment plan tailored to your symptoms and history.

In many cases, medications are needed in addition to grief counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy. If antidepressants are necessary, we do genetic testing to help determine which specific drug will have the best impact on your brain chemistry. 

To schedule a consultation, call 267-884-1824, or request an appointment online. We can see you in our Doylestown office or schedule a telehealth call for you with Dr. Kho to discuss your needs.