The Painful Reality: How Depression Hurts Your Body

American journalist, author, and editor Hara Estroff Marano defined depression as a “disorder of the body as much as of the mind”. With that definition in mind, I seek in this article to explore the trail of destruction that depression leaves around the body.

The Physical Toll of Depression: How It Affects Your Body

The mind cannot exist in the absence of the body. On the other hand, the body is normally referred to as a vegetable if the mid is absent. This has led to the common medical phrase “brain dead”. This interconnectivity between the two, sort of opens a Pandora’s Box, since the treatment of one often requires that the needs of the other are kept under advisement.

For instance, if you consider the symptoms of depression, you can easily conclude that depression, while being a problem of the mind, often expresses itself through physical means such as insomnia and inactivity.

  Read more: Depression and Sleeping Too Little or Too Much

People may also lose the desire to eat properly, which eventually affects the body’s health.

  Read more: Why Depression Makes You Tired and How to Deal With Fatigue

It is this multi-faceted approach to depression that makes it one of the most dangerous ailments in the world. Severe cases of depression have been known to lead to suicidal tendencies.

Scientists have come up with conclusive evidence to suggest that depression works more like a cancer; attacking various body parts at once thus making it very difficult to control.

There is a much deeper interrelation between depression and the heart, which is thought of as the source of all emotion and feelings. However, this is not the angle that depression takes; evidence exists that depression can result in the occurrence of heart disease. This is because depression has the same effect as other ailments and drugs that raise the possibility of cardiac arrest.

Evidence also exists pointing to the fact that depression alters blood platelets. These are the circulating elements, which are charged with the responsibility of blood clotting. In essence, we can begin to see just how depression hurts the individual.

Depression hurts other parts of the body as well, leaving footprints all over the body and a trail; of destruction that is not easy to mend.

For instance, scientists have proven that depression often causes an acceleration of changes in bone mass, which places the individual at a higher risk of getting osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones that makes the bones weak and makes them susceptible to fractures. It results in the deterioration of bone mineral density, bone microarchitecture, and the alteration of various bone proteins.

Even then, the most real example of just how depression hurts is the occurrence of physical pain. For most people suffering from depression, the symptoms of depression usually include physical pain, which is normally vague in origin.

A depressed individual may suffer some pain whose source he or she cannot fathom. These pains may manifest as headaches or abdominal pain and musculoskeletal pains in the lower back as well as pain in the joints and neck. These painful periods may come in different combinations giving a new meaning to hurting depression.

However, as is often the case, these are just small bushfires meant to distract attention from the main issue. As such, while doctors are busy looking for the source of the problem and treating only the symptoms, depression takes a more comfortable seat.

    Read further: Physical Symptoms of Clinical Depression

When depression begins to hurt the physical being, then it is usually imperative that various stopgap measures are taken to solve the issue quickly.

The problem, in this case, is usually that both the doctor and the patient can take a very long time to arrive at the correct diagnosis. This means that most of the treatment plans that will be given will be stop-gap measures that do not tackle the root of the matter.

In a study that encompassed 25,000 students, it was determined that most of the students who suffered from depression often had various unexplained physical pains.

When depression hurts, especially in a physical way, it is easy to forget and begin thinking about other irrelevant causes. As such, while depression is an emotional disorder, it manifests itself in a variety of very painful physical symptoms, which can be confused for the onset of other diseases.

    Read also: 5 Surprising Ways Depression Impacts Mental Health

Reclaiming Your Wholeness: A Holistic Approach to Battling Depression

Depression can leave a trail of physical destruction, and I must admit that seeking professional help is the first and most critical step in reclaiming your well-being. A qualified healthcare professional can provide crucial diagnosis, guidance, and support, which form the foundation for any holistic approach you choose to pursue.

Integrating Holistic Practices

Mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and spending time in nature can be transformative supplements to your personalized treatment plan.

    Learn more: 7 Best Ways to Beat and Prevent Depression Naturally

However, remember, these practices should never replace professional guidance or prescribed medication.

Working Hand-in-Hand with Your Healthcare Team

Discuss your interest in holistic approaches with your doctor or therapist. They can help you create a safe and effective plan that integrates complementary practices with your traditional treatment. Open communication with your healthcare team is essential for ensuring your holistic approach aligns with your specific needs and medical history.

Finding the Right Support System

Consider joining a therapy group or seeking individual therapy to connect with others who understand your struggles and offer valuable guidance. Support groups can provide a sense of community and belonging, while individual therapy can help you delve deeper into your emotions and develop coping mechanisms.

Empowering Yourself Through Proactive Measures

In the midst of seeking professional help for depression, it's crucial to remember the power you hold in your own healing process.

Take it one step at a time, acknowledge even the smallest wins, and be open to trying out various techniques with the guidance of your healthcare providers. Prioritize your well-being, speak up for what you need, and consider incorporating holistic practices alongside professional assistance.

This blend of self-advocacy and comprehensive support can truly empower you to overcome the hurdles of depression and rediscover a sense of wholeness in your life.

    Read further: How To Deal with Depression