Why depression hurts?

Depression is a mystery to most people, especially those that have never experienced it. It has the stigma of not being real, people just trying to get attention, or weak and can’t let stuff go. Depression is not only real, but it is also very painful. Depression hurts emotionally and physically. Neither pain is a figment of the imagination, and there is a basis for its discomfort. 

LOWER PAIN TOLERANCE

Studies have shown that depression and pain frequently co-exist. So while a person is struggling emotionally, their nerves are also sending out pain signals. During the depression, everything hurts more because the mind is focused on all the negative things. Also, the same brain regions are activated whether a person is feeling emotional pain or physical pain. Thus, the brain struggles to decipher which type of pain is triggered, so the severity of the depression can dictate the physical pain signals' severity. 

STOMACH PAIN/NAUSEA 

Stress often leads to or accompanies depression, and it causes that sinking feeling in the stomach that puts us in the fetal position. When feeling depressed, self-care like eating regularly is not a priority, which can cause feeling nauseous, cramps, and bloating. Also, researchers have learned that depression can cause inflammation in the body, specifically the digestive system, which causes numerous types of stomach aches, such as irritable bowel syndrome. 

BODY ACHES

Studies have shown that emotional and mental health issues cause recurring aches and pains. The aches range from headaches, backaches, muscle aches, and joint aches. Depression can magnify these aches in the body, and they can become another reason to be depressed. This vicious cycle can cause the aches to last longer than they would under normal circumstances. 

CONCLUSION

Depression hurts because the mind and body are going through intense pain on several different levels. This type of suffering can push anyone to the edge. Many times, people consider suicide to avoid all this pain. If you have been experiencing any suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

It is hard to see the hurt, but that does not mean it does not exist. To stop the hurting, suffering, and pain, help from others is required. Medical and mental health professionals can offer relief from the physical pain and coping skills for the emotional pain. No one has to fight the hurt all alone.