There are many physical signs and symptoms of depression.
Someone’s eating or sleeping habits could change. They may appear moody, sad, or irritable. They may even stop participating in activities they once enjoyed, including hanging out with friends and family members. Some of these signs and symptoms are easier to spot than others.
Depression doesn’t stop at physical signs and symptoms, though. It goes much deeper than that. Something that isn’t as easy to spot is how depression affects other areas of the body and even the mind.
Let’s take a deeper dive into depression and its neurological impact. This is how depression can affect the brain.
Brain Inflammation
Inflammation in the brain is common among individuals who have depression. The levels of translocator proteins in the brain are higher in individuals with depression compared to individuals who aren’t showing signs and symptoms of depression.
The translocator proteins are even higher in individuals who have been struggling with untreated depression. Inflammation in the brain, especially if left untreated, can lead to other issues like brain aging, thinking issues, prevention of new brain cells from growing, and harming or killing off of brain cells.
Brain Size
Different parts of the brain respond in different ways to depression. Many areas of the brain actually shrink or decrease in size when depression is present. The area that is lost is the gray matter volume (GMV). Depression has been proven to cause shrinkage or lower GMV in the following areas of the brain:
The Hippocampus
The hippocampus is the part of the brain that is responsible for learning and remembering things. This part of the brain is the connection point between other parts of the brain that are responsible for controlling emotions. The hippocampus is extremely responsive to stress which makes it more susceptible to depression.
The Prefrontal Cortex
The prefrontal cortex is the part of your brain that is responsible for regulating behaviors, emotions, and impulses. When depression is evident, it can cause the prefrontal cortex to shrink. This can also lead to a loss of connections to other parts of the brain.
The Amygdala
The amygdala is the part of the brain that processes all of the emotions that someone deals with on a daily basis. These emotions are connecting points to other parts of the brain that help with the five senses, memories, and learning. When depression causes changes in the brain, it can lead to the amygdala not functioning properly. When this happens, it can cause disruptive emotions, feelings, and other symptoms like the following:
- Anxiety
- Changes in appetite
- Difficulty thinking clearly
- Guilt
- Hopelessness
- Lack of motivation
- Memory issues
- Sleeping problems
How to Get Help
Depression is a very serious mental health condition. While a lot of the physical signs and symptoms are known, many changes happen internally that aren’t as easy to spot. Depression isn’t something that just goes away on its own. There are certain lifestyle changes that you can make to help you cope like taking care of yourself, eating well, prioritizing your sleep, and moving your body. But there isn’t a true replacement for therapy as a treatment option.
One of the best ways to help cope is by reaching out for some extra support from a therapist for depression. Many different types of therapy options can work for you and your needs. Treatment for depression isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Your therapist should help you determine the root cause of your depression, work through any signs or symptoms you’re struggling with, and come up with an action plan to help you move forward again. Reach out today to get started.