Thinking about mental health conditions like depression and anxiety usually conjure up scenes of sadness, isolation, or difficulty sleeping. But there might be a hidden symptom of depression that you rarely hear about: constipation.
As we take bigger strides towards acceptance, mental health conditions like depression and anxiety have become more normalised in society. We have subsequently also become more attuned to the different ways that these conditions can appear.
Symptoms like difficulty sleeping, fatigue, and general low mood are common when we think about depression, but new studies have identified a new sign of depression to look out for: constipation.
What is Depression?
One of the most common mental health conditions in the world, depression (or depressive disorder) affects an estimated 5.7% of adults globally. In Singapore, about 1 in 16 people have been diagnosed with depression.
Depression can feel like a persistent feeling of sadness coupled with a loss of interest in what you used to enjoy. It exists as a wide spectrum of disorders, ranging from clinical depression, also known as major depressive disorder, to seasonal affective disorder or even postpartum depression.
Symptoms of Depression and Treatment Options
Depression can look different from person to person. In general, the symptoms can include:
- Fatigue
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping too much or insomnia
- Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- In severe cases, thoughts of self-harm or suicide
The exact cause of depression is not known, but it is speculated to be a result of various factors, such as an imbalance in brain chemistry, genetics, or as a result of traumatic or difficult life experiences.
Fortunately, depression is also one of the most treatable mental health conditions. Based on the individual, various treatment options like psychotherapy and medication are available. Lifestyle changes like improving your sleep habits, eating a well-balanced diet, and getting enough exercise can also help to improve depression symptoms.
What We Know About Constipation
Constipation is a digestive condition where bowel movements become infrequent, hard, or difficult to pass.
For the most part, it can be caused by lifestyle factors like not eating enough fibre or being dehydrated. It may also be a side effect of some medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure, seizures, or depression.
Thankfully, constipation is easily treated by over-the-counter medications. This can be in the form of laxatives or other medications meant to help regulate bowel movements. Simple lifestyle changes like eating more fiber and drinking more water can also help to keep this common ailment at bay.
How Constipation is Linked to Depression
So, what exactly is the link between constipation and depression? Is it truly possible to be both emotionally and intestinally backed up?
Antidepressants and Constipation
Constipation is a known side effect of many antidepressant medications. This explains part of the overlap, but emerging research suggests a deeper biological connection.
Depression and the Gut-Brain Connection
Some studies suggest that the gut-brain connection is key in understanding the link between depression and constipation. This theory believes that the gut and the brain are linked, and that they can communicate bi-directionally. A signal can pass from your brain to your gut and vice versa, so health or disease in one can impact the other as well.
Through this framework, it suggests that depression may alter gut function, slowing down motility and leading to constipation. Conversely, poor gut health could worsen depressive symptoms, creating a vicious cycle.
Serotonin? In My Gut?
In addition, new research based on the role of serotonin in the body has emerged. Serotonin transmits messages between your brain and body, earning its reputation as the “feel-good chemical.” Many experts believe low serotonin levels play a major role in causing depression.
However, only 10% of serotonin is actually produced in the brain. The remaining 90% is actually found in the cells lining the gastrointestinal tract, as it helps to control your bowel functions and protects your gut. It is possible, then, for depression to be caused not by a lack of serotonin produced by the brain, but a lack of serotonin produced by the gut, instead.
To examine the link between depression and constipation, researchers began their experiments on a small scale. Through the use of a mouse model of depression, or the use of mice with a gene mutation linked to severe depression in humans, they found that a reduction in the amount of serotonin found in the gut did lead to constipation. Without serotonin, the gut lining began to deteriorate, and the speed of digestion rapidly slowed down.
This finding mirrored the same kind of digestive changes seen in humans with depression, drawing a preliminary link between depression and constipation.
Is It Time to Start Worrying About Your Bowel Movements (Or Lack Thereof)?
Occasional constipation is normal. But if constipation is frequent and paired with other symptoms of depression such as low mood, fatigue, or loss of interest in daily life – it may be a sign worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
Whether it is by consuming more fiber or eating more foods that help to produce serotonin, taking care of your gut could be the first step towards supporting better mental health.
