Headaches and Depression

Headaches and depression have long been linked. Frequently patients and doctors assume that headaches are merely a physical manifestation of depression or mental illness as these conditions are known to cause body aches. This is not necessarily true. Headaches and depression both have roots in the neurons and neurotransmitter activity in the brain but most experts believe that one condition does not appear to cause the other (although who wouldn't feel depressed if they suffered from reoccurring severe headaches?) Instead headaches and depression are known to typically co-exist in many patients.Hopefully in time the physical reasons for this will be revealed by research. In the meantime, it is important as a headache sufferer to be aware of how you may be affected by depression.

What causes depression?

Depression is not merely an emotional state. Instead, depression is believed to be caused by an inability to produce or receive sufficient amounts of the neurotransmitters that handle moods - specifically serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Today we also know that migraines are also believed to be affected by these exact same neurotransmitters, although the exact mechanism has yet to be explained fully.

How do I know if I am depressed?

Ask yourself - Am I unable to enjoy activities that normally would make me happy? Have you recently gained or lost a substantial amount of weight? Do you seem to be sleeping all the time or not at all? Do you feel tired and as though you are moving in slow motion? Do you have very negative feelings of worthlessness and guilt?

If the answer to any of the questions above is yes and you have been experiencing these symptoms for two weeks or longer, then you may be depressed.

If I am depressed, what are my options?

Only your doctor will be able to determine if you are depressed and in need of prescription medications. However, if you also suffer from migraines, then know that prescription anti-depressants have been shown to prevent migraines as well. Most commonly tricyclic or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) are prescribed to treat headaches and depression as both of these medications affect the amount of serotonin received by neurons in the brain.

If you do begin taking prescription medication for depression, be sure to inform your doctor of any medications you may already be taking for your headaches including any natural or herbal remedies as these may cause negative side effects or prevent your medication from working properly.