We all go through it some time but with different degrees. I’m talking about feeling down, blue, depressed. It doesn’t feel good and of course, not fun!
Real changes can happen within your body with depression. Your digestion can slow down and will result in stomach problems. We know about the emotional symptoms of depression but chronic pain can also be a physical symptom. Depression can cause real changes in your body and they aren’t just in your head!
Many conditions will hide these symptoms of depression so those experiencing depression may never get the help they need. Realizing their physical problems could be caused by their mental illness, might not happen. Even doctors will miss them as well.
Improper regulation in nerve cell networks or pathways that connect brain areas processing emotional information seem to be related to depression. The information for sending physical pain is also processed through these networks. The experts believe that depression can make you feel pain differently than other people. Chronic pain may get worse such as the following:
If you experience any of these physical symptoms, be sure to tell your doctor. They can treat you with therapy or medicine, or possibly both. If they give you medication for depression, it will tweak the chemicals your nerve cell networks use to communicate and make them work more efficiently.
Your physician may prescribe antidepressants that may also help with the chronic pain, but something else might be needed as an anti-anxiety or sleep medication for insomnia so you can relax and sleep better.
Easing your pain may lift your depression as well since pain and depression can sometimes go together. You might even try cognitive behavioral therapy to learn ways to better deal with your pain.
If you have a natural doctor, I would suggest you visit them. They may have natural protocols that can be used but its not a good idea to try to treat yourself.
–Dr Fredda Branyon