Over 15 percent of Americans have been told by their doctors that they have depression, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While the mental symptoms of depression are well documented, like the loss of interest, a feeling of sadness or anxiety, the physical symptoms of depression are not always recognized immediately as a sign of the disorder. If you suffer from physical symptoms of depression, you need to treat those as part of your treatment plan to get better.
Aches and Pain
Debilitating aches and pains that often occur with depression can also be a warning sign of depression for your health care provider. You can combat aches and pains by using home remedies like taking a warm bath to sooth aches or scheduling a massage to help relieve some of the pain associated with depression. Talk to your doctor if pain management techniques don't seem to work; an antidepressant can help relieve pain so you feel like yourself again.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common complaint among depression sufferers, according to Psychology Today. The magazine notes that as many as 80 percent of depression sufferers also feel tired and lackluster throughout the day. Often as a side effect of depression-induced insomnia, getting enough sleep each night can help you function during the day. Institute a predictable bedtime routine and follow it religiously each night to signal your brain that it is time for bed. Remove stimulating objects, like a computer or television, from your bedroom. If you still can't find relief, talk to your doctor about possible sleep aids as a way to reset your body's internal sleep patterns to get more rest.
Appetite
You may experience a severe increase or decrease in your appetite when dealing with depression. HelpGuide.org cautions against seeing a 5 percent weight gain or loss in a month and notes that it could be a sign of depression. To manage your changes in appetite, make sure that you have your cupboards stocked with healthy food and that you pack small snacks to take with you wherever you go. If experiencing a lack of appetite, snacking throughout the day can help you get enough calories without sitting down to a large meal. If dealing with an increased appetite, watch your portion sizes and never allow yourself to eat items straight from the container. Pre-portion so that you're less likely to overeat.
Stomach Pains
The constant anxiety some experience while depressed can cause an irritable stomach, constant butterflies or indigestion. If you frequently experience an upset stomach, try relaxation techniques that calm you when you're anxious, like deep breathing exercises. Avoid foods that could worsen your symptoms as well as alcohol, notes the Mayo Clinic. Carry antacid tablets with you to treat your indigestion on the spot.
Medical Treatment
While you may be able to treat the signs of depression temporarily on your own, medical attention is likely necessary to help treat your depression and all its symptoms, warns a report in a 2004 issue of Primary Care Companion, Journal of Clinic Psychiatry. In some cases, antidepressants, therapy and treatment options must be combined to obtain full relief from depression symptoms, whether physical or psychological.
