Long-term depression has disastrous effects on skin, because the chemicals associated with the condition can prevent your body from repairing inflammation in cells. "These hormones affect sleep, which will show on our faces in the form of baggy, puffy eyes and a dull or lifeless complexion," says Dr. Wechsler.
Previous studies consistently reported abnormal recognition of facial expressions in depression.
There is often a chemical response in your body when it comes to emotions. Moods can reduce the skin's ability to heal, increase cortisol levels in the bloodstream, weaken skin cells, interrupt collagen production, etc. These changes to your body will naturally result in a physical change to your skin.
Sometimes, the only signs that a person may show are physical, such as fatigue, insomnia, or weight changes. Other signs of hidden depression can include using alcohol or drugs, being irritable or angry, and losing interest in pleasurable activities such as sex and hobbies.
Common Symptoms of Depression
Feeling sad or empty. Having little interest or pleasure in doing things. Experiencing a change in appetite with weight loss or weight gain. Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much.
There's no lab test to diagnose depression, but physical exams and blood tests can help your doctor better understand what's causing your symptoms. Your doctor will likely want to do several tests to rules out other causes of depressive feelings, such as: Hormonal changes. Medication side effects.
Physical symptoms are common in depression, and, in fact, vague aches and pain are often the presenting symptoms of depression. These symptoms include chronic joint pain, limb pain, back pain, gastrointestinal problems, tiredness, sleep disturbances, psychomotor activity changes, and appetite changes.
Folks with depression can laugh, have fun and experience joy while depressed. These feelings are usually short-lived, and don't count as “evidence” that someone doesn't have depression. We are all different and depression manifests differently for each person who experiences it.
Stress can also leave a mark on your face. Dry skin, wrinkles, and acne are just some of the ways that it can manifest itself. Keep reading to find out what other effects stress can have on your face.
"We see a strong correlation between shorter telomeres and psychological stress," Howard says. Your face shape may change. Cortisol, the hormone released in response to stress, is the natural enemy of collagen, breaking down the connective tissue that keeps your complexion taut and firm.
Stress is an unavoidable part of life. However, when stress becomes chronic it can leave a lasting impression on your face. Acne, gray hair, and dry skin are just a few of the ways that stress may show itself.
A person with a sad expression on their face conveys a potent message. Drooping eyelids, downcast eyes, lowered lip corners, and slanting inner eyebrows have an arresting effect on observers.
Sometimes your face can look sad when inside you feel perfectly happy. Aging can cause a down-turned mouth, droopy outer eyebrows and sagging cheeks giving your face a sense of sadness. It's possible to improve this with safe, simple non-surgical treatments, requiring a 30 to 60-minute appointment.
feeling hopeless and helpless. having low self-esteem. feeling tearful. feeling guilt-ridden.
Depression is technically a mental disorder but also affects your physical health. It may impact everything from your heart, kidney, nervous system, and immune system health.
Increased aches and pains, which occur in about two out of three people with depression. Chronic fatigue. Decreased interest in sex. Decreased appetite.
Your doctor can usually tell if you have depression by asking you specific questions and doing a physical exam. Your doctor may, however, ask for lab tests to rule out other diagnoses. Your doctor will likely do blood tests to check for medical conditions that may cause depressive symptoms.
There's no cure for depression, but there are lots of effective treatments. People can recover from depression and live long and healthy lives.
Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms, including how long you've had them, when they started, and how they were treated. They'll ask about the way you feel, including whether you have any symptoms of depression such as: Sadness or depressed mood most of the day or almost every day.
Suicidal Thoughts: An Emergency
For people who are severely depressed, suicide is a real threat. Each year, about 46,000 people in the U.S. take their own lives, although the true number may be higher.
Symptoms of depression
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much. Decreased energy or fatigue. Restlessness or trouble sitting still. Lack of interest in activities that used to make you happy.
Certain mental health factors put people at risk for depression. It's mainly found in those with low self-esteem, who have a poor outlook, or who feel overwhelmed by stress. Depression is also more common in people with anxiety or other mental health problems.