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Depression and body pain: How do our emotions affect our physical sensitivity?

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Somya.P

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02/07/2025 at 12:00 AM

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Somya.P

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Last activity on 06/11/2026 at 6:50 PM

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Hello everyone,

How are you feeling today? 😊

Did you know that depression can increase sensitivity to pain? It happens because depression can change how your brain processes body signals, making them feel more intense. This creates a cycle, pain can worsen your mood, and low mood can make physical discomfort harder to manage. It’s a two-way street that often affects quality of life.

For many people, pain during depressive episodes might include:

Headaches or migraines
Back or neck pain
Muscle tension
Digestive issues

Managing both depression and pain can feel overwhelming, but techniques like mindfulness, gentle exercise, and therapy can help break the cycle.

What about you? Have you noticed that your depression increases your physical pain?

Which types of pain do you experience most during low periods?

What strategies or treatments help you manage both depression and physical discomfort at the same time?

@Tamra1 @Annasia00 @Michelle @Harley @LisaSpillman @dindinma @Janashaj1 @TiffanyR @prissy @Stormi_Rose @Hopeless68 @Josettej13 @taozaki @AmberStone @hiba1045 @maya.m.a.k @kaitlynsavard @sistertenaj @Migdalia2069 @Maylortaney @Dakoda @Mommaliz58 @dpshrsth @Bobby36 @Jdewey8 @Crmcleod2 @De5tinyXD @Pudgie01 @JDziewior @Kayhappy @dfhrayne @AdinaW @aazmirshah @Breelayla @Preslee3 @28michelle @drdr28 @Dawnduffy0703 @Dr.WhoPeggygmail.com @Megatronlee @PsychRN2201 @Brookesmith @joshfred756 @TrueBlue @Lexie5212 @Froggiehic @ABERRYHILL78 @Clsammons01 @Lgonz73 @hollydionne @Lizzyliz @lrice999 @Nane2$ @Jaelynpetrie @Gaither57 @Danshay81 @Alissa @Justin0113 @ilac110 @Sunset94 @Angielynn0000 @brynnmulligan @ladyof19 @IvanGarrob @Blr68! @Telisam12 @Misssassy @Shanntn @kittyboots12 @Prachi_marwah @Sky1998 @MakaylaJ52303 @Ashton-Pebbs @LatriceL @Chancy44 @FayooQueen2007mail.com @paulsarahwin @darkhigh3459 @Mey.04 @Chadshep @Bigdaddy61 @Eve897 @meg.saxon1 @Jamespogue530 @Stephaniegay4 @TerriPerron @Mollyolly @Prettyblakk30 @Hkwkhk @KiffieC @Lovesky43 @Dolphin21 @Rockgoat @chymarie @IreeJay @Greymate @Jen816 @Rosemarielynne @Donmar55 @moulenator

Let’s share experiences and tips, it might just help someone else feel less alone. 💬

Take care,

Somya from the Carenity team 🌼

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Dr.WhoPeggygmail.com

02/07/2025 at 12:55 AM

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Dr.WhoPeggygmail.com

Last activity on 01/08/2026 at 2:01 PM

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Hey. Just found question. Thanks for starting it. How do I feel better in regards to depression & physical distress? When nice outside, I go walk. In winter, not my best time, I go to water aerobics at the YWCA. Good for joints & socialization. Daily, I try to work word finds, to keep brain sharp. Diet is pathetic!! Know I must eat better, just not inclined. That may help. Rummaged thru med cupboard & found ones forgot I had, some expired ones, gone. Tend to talk via phone to great friend once a day. Uplifting! If I can get bit of cleaning done, I feel more accomplished. Besides, gotta keep up for management sake. Putting filing away is positive too. Should clean my fridge also, spills. Who else has anything to add? Keep warm!

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Peggy Erickson

Depression and body pain: How do our emotions affect our physical sensitivity? https://www.carenity.us/forum/depression/symptoms-and-complications-of-depression/depression-and-body-pain-how-do-our-emotions-affect-our-physical-sensitivity-6122 2025-02-07 00:55:01

Somya.P

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05/11/2026 at 8:09 PM

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Somya.P

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Last activity on 06/11/2026 at 6:50 PM

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1,009 comments posted | 55 in the Depression Forum

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Hello everyone,

when living with depression, emotional distress can sometimes also be felt in the body, through aches, tension, heaviness, or increased physical sensitivity.

Have you noticed a link between your emotions and physical pain?
How does your body react during harder periods?
And is there anything that helps you feel a little better physically and emotionally?

Please feel free to share your experience with the other members. 💛

Take care,

Somya from the Carenity team 🌼

@lilpeep @Becky1996 @Billreese @Dawger @Tigerlileez @Lonelyinkc @msukrachand @Chelez @LisaSpillman @rnazir11 @mauricio699san @Alexaray @Lesliek123 @bubblie.saint @Sorayagonzalez @helinaoftroy @katie1980 @enigmatu @Laurie74 @mrjrbtlr72 @Taywill @kennedywithers17 @Annlucas68 @Cj071013 @Toriamb1012 @elexis2007 @Mildred @Gutz.n.stuff @Blondemo50 @tke129 @Scifimysterian @Linbow64 @Grama6 @MrZeus @mollyxo15 @sadgrandma72 @Bugsy509 @LindaN @jay1999 @Mochairis68 @mduquez @BettyMaria @Lisawells7777 @Airiella @AllisonMoore @Niagal @Toothfairy76 @JennaSue @wynteramorr @JX9876 @PinkRose @SusanAveni @SunnyReddick @Lizzyliz @ramennoodles @erniesmom @Cathys @cbenintende3 @Hotelgirl1 @Chrissyelliot19 @Carladavis @Berriann1 @Jennypooh83 @debbie75 @rivsgma @Elliegrima @Tracy21 @Twinheart02 @SherrillClark @caryjentzsch @keirac1107 @amanda212708 @freepB @Ghostjay @Melindaanne1315 @grac1eb3ck @smccance @DishGuy @Ashleyrosebud971 @Wendyh @Kimberly56 @aemckinnon @Yasmeen @Asedawg89 @bri_429 @Tyler1234 @Kelbyday02 @brian06hoecker @kisslamarre @baylie.berg @gabeee @JoyofthePark

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Somya from the Carenity team

yankeepoodle89

05/21/2026 at 4:56 PM

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yankeepoodle89

Last activity on 05/21/2026 at 5:02 PM

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Sometimes I feel queasy nauseous and my back and joints hurt more when I’ve been stuck inside cooped in

mrjrbtlr72

05/25/2026 at 11:12 PM

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mrjrbtlr72

Last activity on 06/10/2026 at 2:08 AM

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My neck and back feel sore.

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M. Clare Butler

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