There are a number of ways that depression can make you physically sick. Here are some of the different physical symptoms and why they happen.

➡️Diarrhea, upset stomach, and ulcers.

Your brain and gastrointestinal (GI) system are directly linked. Depression, anxiety, and stress have been shown to affect the movement and contractions of the GI tract, which can cause diarrhea, constipation, and nausea.

➡️Disruption of sleep.

Sleep issues are common symptoms of depression. This can include trouble falling or staying asleep, and getting sleep that isn’t productive or restful.

There’s substantial evidence linking depression and sleep issues. Depression can cause or worsen insomnia, and insomnia may increase the risk of depression.

➡️Impaired immunity.

Depression impacts your immune system in several ways.

When you sleep, your immune system produces cytokines and other substances that help your body fight infection. Sleep deprivation, which is a common symptom of depression, interferes with this process, increasing your risk of infection and illness.

➡️Weight loss or weight gain.

Your mood may impact your diet. For some, depression causes a loss of appetite that could lead to unnecessary weight loss.

For others with depression, feelings of hopelessness may result in poor eating choices and a loss of interest in exercise. Reaching for foods high in sugars, fats, and starchy carbohydrates is also common. Increased appetite and weight gain are also side effects of some medications for depression.

➡️Headaches.

Depression and related symptoms like stress and anxiety have been shown to cause tension headaches. Depression also appears to increase the risk of recurrent headaches of stronger intensity and longer duration. Poor sleep may also contribute to more frequent or stronger headaches.

➡️Muscle and joint pain.

There’s a confirmed link that depression can cause pain and pain can cause depression. Back pain and other joint and muscle pain are common physical symptoms of depression.

Depression and other mood disorders have been shown to alter pain perception, which can trigger or worsen pain. Fatigue and loss of interest common in depression can lead to being less active. This inactivity can cause muscle and joint pain and stiffness.

Sources - https://www.healthline.com/health/can-depression-make-you-sick#physical-symptoms

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