[Biteplate]

Does anyone else get physical symptoms from depression? Its hard to completely describe but my body feels awful and heavy and tired. Its a horrible sensation.

Originally Posted by Biteplate

Does anyone else get physical symptoms from depression? Its hard to completely describe but my body feels awful and heavy and tired. Its a horrible sensation.

I feel the same. I have breathing difficulties as well. I m taking antihistamines and a nasal spray. But I dont know how to deal with the heaviness and the tiredness. I try to sleep more than normal at night. 8.30-9hrs than 7-7.30hrs.

[Carmina]

Yes of course depression affects the body physically in many ways:

You lack energy so feel heavy and tired

Serotonin is also used by the gut so reduced levels impact on digestion and appetite (which is also why antidepressants can affect these things)

Depression has an impact on levels of certain white blood cells which impacts on immune functioning (particularly the balance of CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes)

Depression is often bound up with stress and anxiety both of which also impact on the body physically

Psychologically for me when I am depressed I also feel diseased and like I am rotting away inside - like a cancer