What effects does depression have on the human body? What other illnesses can be caused by depression?
Depression is a serious mental health condition that not only affects mental wellbeing but can also have an impact on the body. Whether and how these effects are physically noticeable varies greatly from person to person, and not everyone with depression experiences them.
The following physical effects may be experienced:
- Exhaustion and tiredness
- Sleep problems (sleeping much more or, conversely, sleeping for shorter periods)
- Digestive problems; changes in appetite and weight
- In the long term, this can lead to heart and circulatory problems, as the stress hormone cortisol influences these
- weakened immune system
- sexual dysfunction
- chronic pain
If you feel that you yourself, or someone in your circle of friends or acquaintances, is suffering from depression, I recommend seeking advice from a specialist.