We all know the telltale signs of depression – namely, a prolonged sadness that isn’t always triggered by a single event. However, depression can affect more than just your mood – it can extend to your body in the form of aches and pains and other symptoms.
In fact, the diagnostic criteria of depression in the DSM-5 (that classifies mental illnesses) are diminished pleasure in everyday activities and a chronic lowered mood – but it also includes some lesser thought-about physical symptoms that you should know.
Aches and Pains
VeryWell Mind explains that those suffering from depression may experience “vague” aches and pains that can arise in joints, as well as their back. In some cases, it notes, a person may experience pain throughout their body that can be debilitating.
It notes that chronic pain itself can be a trigger for depression, but the pain can be a symptom of the mental illness. The source notes that researchers are still trying to pinpoint the exact relationship between aches and depression – one theory is that there could be a disruption of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which is attached to mood and other functions.