What do weight loss, sadness, and back pain have in common?

They can all be related to depression.

People usually think it's just a mood problem, but depression can affect your body, too, in many different ways.

For example, when you're depressed, your sleep schedule may get messed up.

You may sleep a lot more than usual ...

or you may have trouble going to sleep or staying asleep.

Your energy level drops, so you may feel tired all the time, no matter how much rest you get.

Your appetite may change.

You may have little interest in eating and lose weight.

Or you may eat more than usual ...

or crave high-carb comfort foods ... and gain weight.

Your digestion is affected ...

so you may have stomachaches ... diarrhea ... or constipation.

Your mind may get foggy ... especially if you're an older adult.

So it can be harder to concentrate ... make decisions ... and remember things.

Depression can even hurt, so you may have achy muscles or joints ... headaches ... or back pain.

Getting treatment for depression can not only help lift your mood ...

it can also help ease nagging physical symptoms.

So you can feel better both inside and out.