Slideshow: Physical Symptoms of Depression

Medically Reviewed by Smitha Bhandari, MD on September 11, 2019 

Sleep Problems

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Depression can affect your body as well as your mind. Trouble falling or staying asleep is common in people who are depressed. But some may find that they get too much shut-eye.

Chest Pain

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It can be a sign of heart, lung, or stomach problems, so see your doctor to rule out those causes. Sometimes, though, it’s a symptom of depression.

Depression can also raise your risk of heart disease. Plus, people who’ve had heart attacks are more likely to be depressed.

Fatigue and Exhaustion

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If you feel so tired that you don’t have energy for everyday tasks — even when you sleep or rest a lot — it may be a sign that you’re depressed. Depression and fatigue together tend to make both conditions seem worse

Aching Muscles and Joints

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When you live with ongoing pain it can raise your risk of depression.

Depression may also lead to pain because the two conditions share chemical messengers in the brain. People who are depressed are three times as likely to get regular pain

Digestive Problems

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Our brains and digestive systems are strongly connected, which is why many of us get stomachaches or nausea when we’re stressed or worried.

Depression can get you in your gut too — causing nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation.

Headaches

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One study shows that people with major depression are three times more likely to have migraines, and people with migraines are five times more likely to get depressed

Changes in Appetite or Weight

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Some people feel less hungry when they get depressed. Others can’t stop eating. The result can be weight gain or loss, along with lack of energy.

Depression has been linked to eating disorders like bulimia, anorexia, or binge eating

Back Pain

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When it hurts you there on a regular basis, it may contribute to depression. And people who are depressed may be four times more likely to get intense, disabling neck or back pain

Agitated and Restless

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Sleep problems or other depression symptoms can make you feel this way. Men are more likely than women to be irritable when they’re depressed.