Research has documented many ways depression can affect physical health, including the following:
Weight gain or loss
People with depression may experience appetite changes, which can lead to unintended weight loss or gain. Medical experts associate excessive weight gain with many health issues, including diabetes and heart disease. If a person’s body weight is too low, it can harm the heart, affect fertility, and cause fatigue.
Chronic pain
People with depression may experience unexplained aches or pains, including joint or muscle pain, breast tenderness, and headaches. A person’s depression symptoms can worsen because of chronic pain.
Heart disease
Depression may be an independent risk factor for heart health problems. Mental health conditions such as depression can affect Trusted Source heart function in various ways, including by increasing blood pressure and heart rate.
Depression can also reduce a person’s motivation to maintain healthy habits. An unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of heart disease.
Inflammation
Chronic stress and depression have links to inflammation and may change the immune system. Conversely, some research Trusted Source suggests that depression could be due to chronic inflammation.
People with depression are more likely Trusted Source to have inflammatory conditions or autoimmune disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), type 2 diabetes, and arthritis.
However, it is unclear whether depression causes inflammation or chronic inflammation makes someone more vulnerable to depression. More research is necessary to determine the link between the two.
Sexual health problems
People with depression often have Trusted Source a decreased libido, have trouble becoming aroused, no longer have orgasms, or have less pleasurable orgasms.
Some people also experience relationship problems due to depression, which can affect sexual activity.
Worsening chronic health conditions
People who have a chronic health condition may find that their symptoms become worse if they develop depression.
Chronic conditions may already feel isolating or stressful, and depression may worsen these feelings.
A person with depression may also find it difficult to follow their treatment plan for a chronic condition, which can mean that the symptoms get worse.
People who have symptoms of depression and have a chronic condition should talk with a doctor about strategies for addressing both conditions. Addressing mental health concerns may improve physical health and make a chronic condition easier to manage.
Trouble sleeping
People with depression may experience insomnia or trouble sleeping.
This can leave them feeling exhausted and make it difficult to manage both their physical and mental health.
Doctors link sleep deprivation to a host of health problems. Similarly, research has correlated Trusted Source long-term sleep deprivation with high blood pressure, diabetes, weight-related issues, and some types of cancer.
Outlook
Recognizing that depression can affect a person’s physical health can help them seek treatment and make changes to manage their symptoms.
Depression is treatable. A doctor may recommend a combined approach involving medication, therapy, and lifestyle strategies. With the right support, a person can manage both the physical and mental health effects of depression