You may recognize the hallmark sign of depression: feeling persistently sad.
But did you know it can cause constipation? Or even back pain?
These are just two of the little-known warning signs of the mental disorder, which affects 280 million people worldwide.
MailOnline’s rundown of some of the other symptoms of depression comes after Pennsylvania senator John Fetterman returned to Congress yesterday after being away for nearly two months due to clinical depression.
The Democrat caused a sensation with his “frightening” and “disturbing” first speech.
The videos of Fetterman speaking at the meetings were posted to Twitter by Greg Price Wednesday afternoon and immediately exploded, gaining millions of views within hours
Changes in appetite
An unintentional change in appetite can be caused by depression.
Whether someone is eating less and losing weight or overeating and gaining weight, a constant low mood could be to blame, according to Mind.
The NHS also lists a change in appetite as a symptom of depression, but the reason for this is unclear.
The Priory Group, best known for treating celebrities who are addicted, says it can happen when depressed people lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, such as cooking or eating.
“People tend to have low energy when they are depressed – this can mean that cooking or eating can be too much for them,” it adds.
“Depression can also make people feel sad, worthless, or hopeless. With so much on their mind, they may forget to eat.’
Low sex drive
Depression can also affect your sex life.
According to the NHS, stress, anxiety and depression have all been found to cause lower libido.
Imbalances in the brain chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine, are associated with depression and are believed to play a role in this change in sex drive, experts say.
Low libido can also be the side effect of some antidepressants, the NHS says.
According to the NHS, stress, anxiety and depression have all been found to cause lower libido
Disturbed sleep
It’s a vicious circle.
Poor sleep can leave you vulnerable to the darkest depths of depression, scientists say.
But being depressed – and battling the challenges of everyday life – can also ruin your attempts to close your eyes.
But not only does it disrupt your sleep and cause insomnia, it can also make you want to sleep all the time.
Move slowly
In addition to all of the above, physical symptoms of depression include moving more slowly than usual.
So much so that it can even make showering, brushing your teeth, and cooking difficult.
The NHS also says it can cause patients to speak more slowly.
It is medically known as psychomotor retardation. Scientists aren’t sure how or why it happens, but they think it has to do with low levels of the “feel-good” chemical dopamine.
Neglecting hobbies and interests
A lack of interest in things that once turn you on is not always a cause for alarm.
But it is often associated with depression.
The NHS says the disease can leave people with no motivation, no interest in things and a lack of enjoyment in life.
Avoid contact with friends
Just like losing interest in hobbies you once loved, depression can also make you want to isolate yourself from your friends.
Avoiding social events you normally enjoy and feeling isolated or unable to interact with other people is associated with depression, says Mind.
Other social symptoms include problems at home, work, or family life.
Feeling irritable and intolerant of others can also be a sign of depression, according to the NHS.
Difficulty making decisions
If you struggle with depression, you may find it difficult to make decisions.
Finding it harder to verbalize your thoughts, think clearly, or make simple decisions is a warning sign of depression, according to Mind.
It can also make it harder to focus on tasks.
‘Depression usually results from an interruption or reduction of the brain’s chemical messengers’ NeuroScienceNews say.
“These interruptions can also impair your cognitive abilities.”
Constipation
Depression, stress, and anxiety can all wreak havoc on your bowel movements, too.
Any worry and upset can upset the delicate balance of digestion, according to the NHS.
It adds that in some people digestion can slow down and cause constipation, bloating and pain, but others find that speeding it up causes diarrhea.
Not eating well, which can be a symptom of depression, can also harm your digestive system.
For some people with depression, digestion can slow down and cause constipation, bloating and pain, but others find it speeds up and causes diarrhea
Restlessness
Depression can also cause some people’s movements and thoughts to speed up instead of slowing down.
Psychomotor agitation, which is common in psychotic episodes, can mean people can’t sit still or relax and are constantly fidgeting, the NHS says.
This restlessness can also cause people to feel agitated, according to Mind.
People with this symptom of depression are more likely to have suicidal thoughts, the NHS warns.
Aches and pains
Physical aches and pains with no obvious physical problem can be a sign of depression, according to Mind.
You may feel pain in your stomach, pain in your legs and arms, and you may feel tired if you have depression.
This could be because your body is in a constant state of stress, which, according to the NHS, can cause your muscles to tense up.
Another theory is that the pain may be caused by the dysregulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which is thought to cause many symptoms of depression.