5 Ways Your Body Tells You That You Have Anxiety or Depression

Headaches, a queasy stomach, muscle pain—is it time to reach for the aspirin or ibuprofen? Or is it anxiety or depression causing your symptoms?

Anxiety and depression are best known for causing mental distress—making you feel nervous, worried, sad, or numb. But these common psychiatric conditions—anxiety affects an estimated 40 million Americans and depression hits approximately 17 million—are also associated with a host of physical symptoms.

According to Amen Clinics, a global leader in brain health that has treated tens of thousands of people with mental health issues over the past 30 years, here are 5 of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety and depression.

5 COMMON PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

1. Headaches

Research has found that headaches are common in people with depression or anxiety, especially in people with a generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder. Some people experience tension headaches that can cause mild to moderate pain and may involve stiffness in the neck and shoulders. Others suffer from migraines, which are associated with more severe pain and can interfere with daily activities. A 2018 study in the journal Headache found that people with frequent migraines are more likely to experience anxiety and/or depression.

2. Muscle tension, soreness, or chronic pain

Muscle tension is often seen in people with anxiety or panic disorder, and chronic pain is frequently seen in depressed people. Research in the Journal of the Neurological Sciences shows that people with depression tend to have a lower tolerance for pain. At Amen Clinics, brain SPECT imaging studies show that people who experience chronic pain often have too much activity in an area of the brain called the thalamus, which is part of the limbic system (the emotional centers). On SPECT, overactivity in the limbic system is often associated with depression.

3. Nausea, upset stomach, digestive distress

Everyone knows that anxiety about a big life event can trigger a nervous stomach, but the connection between the digestive tract and mental health goes even deeper. Feeling nauseous, having stomach cramps, or experiencing constipation or diarrhea are all associated with anxiety and/or depression. Findings from a 2016 study appearing in Advanced Biomedical Research showed that people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have higher anxiety and depression symptoms compared with people who don’t have IBS. And a 2011 study found that people with anxiety or mood disorders were more likely to have constipation compared with the general population.

4. Fatigue or lack of energy

When you have anxiety, you may worry incessantly, which can be exhausting. But the fatigue you feel may also be related to sleep troubles. Anxious thoughts may make it difficult to fall asleep or may cause you to wake up in the middle of the night when worries start spinning in your mind. Research in Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience shows that about 75% of people with depression also have insomnia, and other scientific evidence reveals that over half of the people with anxiety have trouble sleeping. A smaller percentage of people with depression sleep more than usual, but still feel daytime sleepiness. If you aren’t sleeping well, get an evaluation before taking sleeping pills, which may be hard to stop.

5. Chest pain or rapid heartbeat

During a panic attack, it is common to suddenly feel your heart start racing or tightness in the chest. This usually resolves after the panic attack subsides. In people with depression, chest pain can become chronic. Research shows that people with cardiovascular disease are more likely to suffer from depression, and on the flip side, people with depression or anxiety are at a greater risk of developing heart disease. Because of this, if you experience chest pain, it’s very important to see a doctor to check it out.

WHAT TO DO WHEN PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS PERSIST

You may not realize that the recurring aches and pains, digestive issues, or fatigue you experience are related to mental health problems. Many people simply head to their primary care physician or another traditional medical professional in an effort to treat the physical issues without considering the possibility of underlying anxiety and/or depression. Getting to the root of the problem is the key to feeling better.

Always remember that your brain, body, and mind are interconnected. Notice when your physical symptoms arise. Is it during times of increased stress, nervousness, or sadness? Becoming aware of an increase in pain, more frequent headaches, or an uptick in digestive problems or other physical symptoms may be a clue that anxiety or depression may be rising and that it’s time to seek professional help.

Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time.

At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834. If all our specialists are busy helping others, you can also schedule a time to talk.