Many people believe that depression only affects your mental health, as it is a mental health disorder. That it’s all in your head, so it can’t possibly affect your physical health. Perhaps the term “mental health disorder” is a bit misleading because such disorders often have physical consequences. So, in this series, I am going to be talking about the impact depression can have on one’s physical health.
” Many people believe that depression only affects your mental health.”
Perhaps the most significant physical consequence is the lack of energy that comes with depression. I am not motivated to do anything – tasks that come easy to others, such as cooking, cleaning, and showering, feel impossible. When I wake up, it feels as if a giant boulder is on top of me, and I can’t move. Then, I must lug that boulder around with me all day, every day.
So instead of moving around, I just want to lie in bed, or sit on the sofa, and watch something that will distract me from the dark mass of my thoughts. This lack of exercise can lead to physical health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle, such as weight gain, poor circulation, and digestive issues. This then fuels back into one’s mental health and makes it even worse.
“Then there is the lack of motivation towards self-care.”
Watching TV all day, sitting on my phone for hours on end, or playing a cosy game, are the easiest ways for me to disconnect from the occupation depression has on my mind. I think that staring at a screen for so long and so often has had a negative effect on my already poor eyesight.
Then there is the lack of motivation towards self-care. I don’t have the energy to cook a nice meal or go grocery shopping, so instead I order a takeaway or skip out on food altogether. Regularly doing either of these things can lead to an array of health issues, from vitamin deficiencies to high cholesterol.
The fatigue and forgetfulness that comes with depression causes me to neglect my hygiene. I stop brushing my teeth regularly and do without showers. I feel too weak to brush my hair. This makes my self-esteem sink lower, and I worry about the effect it has on my physical health.
To fix the physical problems that depression causes is another issue. It can be difficult to arrange appointments with my GP when my brain and body are constantly running on low battery. Even if I manage to obtain an appointment, it takes a lot of energy to get dressed and walk out of the door, especially when my self-esteem is non-existent.
“I’m not being lazy – I just can’t take good care of my physical health when I’m experiencing depression.”
When the dishes are piling up by the sink, and my body is falling apart, it feels as if the depression has become too strong to handle. I don’t have the energy to fight back. It is hard to get others to understand this constant battle with my mind and body when I can’t even find the energy to get out of bed.
I’m not being lazy – I just can’t take good care of my physical health when I’m experiencing depression. I wish more people would be understanding of this and not blame me – I already do enough of that myself.
“All I can do in these periods of depression is wait for it to pass.”
Resources for England
- Mental Health Foundation – What advice would you give to someone lacking in motivation?
- Mind – Self-care for depression
- NHS – Symptoms – Depression in adults
York Ending Stigma
To 
find out more about our work and to join us to end mental health stigma in York, please refer to our website https://yorkcvs.org.uk/york-ending-stigma/ or email us on yes@yorkCVS.org.uk