How does depression cause physical pain?
In: 49
[removed]
Both your mood and your processing of pain are affected by chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters, in this case serotonin and norepinephrine. So big swings in mood can also affect how you handle pain.
Taking antidepressants which block one of those chemicals can also give you physical symptoms as a side effect for the same reason.
Those aches, pains, and stomachache might have already been there, but were so minor the brain tuned them out like it does with background noise–it wasn’t important. But with its handling of pain mixed up, that pain isn’t hidden anymore. People’s bodies often just ache a tiny bit all the time from the basics of daily life, after all.
Or the pain might be indirectly caused by behavior during depressive episodes, like bad posture or resting body position creating aches and joint pain, or anxiety or bad diet stirring up indigestion. This is why depression is complicated, and it’s physical symptoms can come and go or last after the episodes, be treated with a painkiller one day and not another. Sometimes it’s all in the brain, and sometimes it’s new, physical issues.
Physical symptoms with these issues are sometimes a sign of depression in those who aren’t yet diagnosed, since they’ll see a doctor about their pain only, often unaware of the true cause and never bringing up the depression.
[removed]
Imagine your brain is like the boss of your body. It tells your body how to feel, like happy or sad. When someone has depression, the boss (brain) gets a little mixed up and sad. This can make the body feel not so good too.
Just like when you have an “ouchie” and it hurts, the boss (brain) can make the body feel pain even if there’s no real “ouchie.” It’s like the brain telling the body, “Hey, something’s wrong,” even if nothing is really wrong. So, when you’re sad in your brain, sometimes your body can feel hurt too, even if there’s no real reason for it. Depression messes with the chemicals in your brain that help control your mood and how you feel. When these chemicals get out of balance, they can affect not only your emotions but also your body. Your muscles might feel tense, your energy might be low, and even things like your appetite and sleep can be messed up. This can lead to physical sensations like aches, pains, headaches, and other discomforts.
So, in simple terms, depression can cause physical pain because your brain and body are closely connected, and when your brain is going through a tough time, it can make your body feel the effects too. If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, it’s important to talk to a trusted adult or a professional who can help figure out the best way to feel better both emotionally and physically.
Latest Answers