Depression, or major depressive disorder, is a common mental health condition that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It can lead to various physical symptoms, including sickness.
While the most common symptoms of depression are emotional, such sadness and hopelessness, some people also experience physical symptoms that can make them feel sick.
These physical issues can be just as debilitating as mood-related symptoms and can lead to daily challenges for many people.
Depression can indeed cause sickness and influence a person’s digestive health. While depression
Gastrointestinal symptoms may occur because of the physical and chemical link between the brain and the digestive system. Doctors call this the gut-brain axis. It is a bidirectional pathway, meaning that the intestines communicate any issues to the brain, and the brain also communicates problems to the intestines.
Experts have linked depression to various digestive issues. For example, a large 2018 study involving more than 19,000 participants found that people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) had increased rates of anxiety and depression. GERD causes the stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus, leading to heartburn and pain.
More recently, a 2023 study found that depression could slightly increase the risk of GERD. Additionally, a 2022 review noted that people with GERD had higher levels of anxiety and depression than those without GERD. Contributing factors may include stress, dietary habits, and a lack of sleep.
Depression can lead to disorders of the microbiota in the gut, which can result in gastrointestinal symptoms, with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) being the most common. In addition, people with IBS have a higher risk of developing depression.
In addition to gastrointestinal issues, depression may cause other physical symptoms, such as those below.
Pain
People with depression
However, researchers still
One theory is that people with depression process pain differently. A small 2015 study looked at this possibility and found that people with major depression had lower pain tolerances and thresholds.
Depression also has an association with back pain. A 2023 study found that the prevalence of back pain was higher in those with major depression than in the general study population.
Weight changes
People with depression may experience unexpected changes in weight.
Experts remain
Conversely, some people with depression may experience a reduction in appetite and subsequent weight loss.
Immune system problems
Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can increase the risk of problems with the immune system.
A 2020 study suggests that stress and depression impair the immune system and produce low grade, chronic inflammation that can increase a person’s risk of infections, metabolic diseases, and cancer.
Doctors can often treat even severe cases of depression using a combination of medications and psychotherapy. However, if a person’s symptoms do not improve with this approach, doctors
Medications
Doctors prescribe antidepressants to improve a person’s mood. A person may need to try various antidepressants before they find one that works and has the mildest side effects.
These medications often take up to a month to work, and a person may notice that their sleep, appetite, and concentration issues improve before their mood. Therefore, it is essential to allow enough time for antidepressants to have a positive effect.
Common antidepressants include:
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine, citalopram, and sertraline
- serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), including venlafaxine and duloxetine
- bupropion
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may help people with depression by teaching them how to change their thought and behavior patterns so they can better manage their symptoms. CBT helps people reprogram negative thought cycles and may help them manage their emotions.
Brain stimulation therapies
If other approaches do not reduce depressive symptoms, doctors may consider ECT. This treatment may provide relief for people with severe depression.
ECT is typically an outpatient procedure requiring short-term use of general anesthesia and muscle relaxant. It usually consists of several sessions, often three times per week for up to 4 weeks. It is not painful, and the person cannot feel the electrical pulses.
However, ECT may cause short-term side effects such as confusion and memory loss. Occasionally, these issues may continue for an extended time.
People may find that lifestyle changes help relieve their depression symptoms. If any of the following changes are applicable to their life, a person may want to try:
- increasing their physical activity level
- eating a balanced diet
- practicing mindfulness techniques such as yoga and meditation
- reducing their consumption of alcohol and caffeine
- smoking fewer cigarettes or quitting altogether
- improving their sleep routine
- developing positive, supportive relationships
- spending time in nature
The options below may also prove valuable to some people living with depression.
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
Omega-3 essential fatty acids may ease mental health symptoms, including depression. However, evidence to support this dietary supplement as a depression remedy is slim. Although
That said, the risk of taking these supplements is low, so people may consider trying them alongside other depression treatments.
Animal therapy
Research suggests that animal therapy can help with symptoms of anxiety and depression. One example is equine-assisted psychotherapy, in which people can learn to change negative behaviors and boost their mood through caring for and riding horses.
Although solid scientific evidence is scarce, some studies have shown that this horse-based therapy may ease the symptoms of depression and other mental health conditions.
If a person experiences the
- persistent sadness
- emptiness
- irritability
- guilt
- hopelessness
- low energy
- difficulty concentrating
- sleep issues
- appetite and weight changes
- thoughts of death or suicide
- a tendency to move or talk more slowly than usual
If a person has symptoms of depression for 2 weeks or longer, they should consult a doctor. The doctor may recommend medications to improve the person’s mood. The earlier someone starts treatment, the sooner they can begin to feel better.
Additionally, a doctor can perform physical examinations and tests to rule out other potential causes of a person’s symptoms.
Help is out there
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Although many people consider depression a mental health condition, it can cause physical symptoms, including sickness. Experts have found links between depression and several gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Doctors treat depression with a combination of medications, such as antidepressants, and therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
A person should seek a doctor’s advice if they experience symptoms of depression for 2 weeks or more. A doctor can rule out any physical causes of the symptoms and recommend medication if necessary. The sooner a person starts treatment, the sooner they may be able to find relief from symptoms.
