Headache disorders and depression are frequent in the general population, and research indicates they are strongly associated. People who suffer from a headache are more likely to suffer from depression. They may also develop migraine symptoms as a result of underlying depression. The more you know about your problem, the more it will be a piece of cake for you to explain it to your doctor. Read on to learn more about depression headaches. 

What Are The Causes Of Depression Headaches? 

Depression is a tight corner. Numerous elements, such as DNA, biology, and a person’s environment, collectively make up the most likely cause of depression headaches. Headaches are categorized as either primary or secondary.

Primary headaches are more common in individuals than secondary headaches. Lifestyle factors, such as chronic stress, alcohol abuse, and poor diet, may bring on primary headaches. Primary headaches are more common in individuals than secondary headaches. Migraine, tension-type headaches, and cluster headaches are included in Primary headaches. 

Secondary headaches are often linked to conditions like muscle aches or medical conditions. Secondary headaches may result from high blood pressure, a head injury, or an infection. Some examples of secondary headaches and their causes are:

• Sinus headaches
• Exercise-induced headaches
• Chronic or daily headaches
• Coughing headaches
• Sex headaches
• illnesses or infection
• High blood pressure or cardiovascular issues 

Headaches can come at any time of the day, leaving most people unprepared due to their unpredictable nature. Depression headaches are connected with tension and migraine type of problems. 

The frequency of headaches will determine whether they are causing your depression or vice versa. Unfortunately, this can be challenging to ascertain. For example, you may experience daily headaches linked with muscle aches and stress that may cause depressive symptoms. 

You may get headaches if you have depression as an underlying disease. According to National Headache Foundation, secondary headaches caused by depression are often tension headaches. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Depression Headaches? 

In simple words, a headache is just a pain in your head. However, depression headaches are not the same for everyone; these symptoms vary from person to person. Undoubtedly, everyone has experienced headaches, but the intensity varies depending on your headache.

A headache is commonly accompanied by at least one of the following symptoms:

• Sharp pain
• Dull ache
• Radiating pain, which may move to more than one area of your head 
• Throbbing 

Sinus Headache

Sinus headaches are when you feel like there is an infection in the sinuses. You will likely experience pressure around your eyes, forehead, and cheeks where your sinuses are located. 

This headache is not linked with depression, though frequent sinus headaches can be debilitating and affect your quality of life, which might make depression symptoms worse. Instead, this headache could be the result of a migraine. 

Tension Headache

Tension headache results in pain in the middle of your head and be accompanied by pain in your neck. Tension headaches develop gradually and usually come from muscle contractions around the neck or scalp. 

Migraine 

A migraine headache develops very suddenly. A migraine is a severe pain you may feel on one or both sides of your head. Unlike other headaches, migraines can last for several hours or even days. Migraine also makes you: 

• Sensitive to light and sound
• Unable to work or conduct essential daily duties
• Nauseated 
• Cancel personal and professional commitments

Migraine attacks are more likely to develop before depression due to these symptoms. In 2020, almost 120 thousand women aged 75-84 were diagnosed with migraines in Spain. 

Depression

Symptoms of depression include:

• Hopelessness
• Changes in sleep patterns 
• Worthlessness
• Severe sadness
• Guilt
• Restlessness
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Unexplained physical pain
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Decreased sex drive
• Loss of interest in your favorite activities
• Changes in appetite 
• Frequent crying
• Headaches 

How To Treat Depression Headaches? 

Treatment for your depression headaches can vary from person to person, depending on the underlying causes. However, if someone is suffering from depression and headaches, it is essential to treat them. 

A migraine is a severe headache problem without a cure. Psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both help most people. Lifestyle changes can help in recovery. Rest, water, and over-the-counter pain relievers treat mild to moderate headaches. 

You can benefit from psychiatrists and psychologists in treating your depression and headaches. In addition, certain drugs can be used to treat migraines and depression. 

You can use Over-the-counter (OTC) medications that will help you to ease the pain of your severe headache temporarily. In addition, some therapies for depression and headaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), biofeedback, and relaxation. 

When people connect to a device that reacts to changes in the body, such as heart rate or respiration, they receive biofeedback therapy. Biofeedback therapy can help individuals understand what triggers their headaches and how the body reacts. 

Depression Headaches Symptoms| Depression Headache Treatment

How To Prevent Depression Headaches? 

There are many significant therapy choices available, but there are lifestyle adjustments you may make to help alleviate underlying depression that is the source of headaches, such as the following:

• Eat Healthily — A well-balanced diet rich in nutritious foods can help keep your brain stimulated and your mood in check.
• Exercise — Regular exercise can help keep oxygen flowing throughout the body and can help cure the symptoms of depression.
•  Reduce Stress — Learning how to manage your stress and keep socially active will help you find relief from the signs of headaches and depression.

Keeping hydrated throughout the day also contributes to maintaining good health.

When To Consult A Doctor

You should consult your doctor if you are experiencing 2 or more headaches per week. In 2017 in the United States, It was shown that 11% of female respondents and 9% of male respondents experienced headaches multiple times per week. 

Depression, anxiety, and headache issues are all linked. Seeking treatment for these disorders together may be more beneficial than treating each separately. Knowing a person’s medical history can assist a doctor in providing the best care. 

Final Words—Depression Headaches

Chronic headaches can occasionally lead to depression, but they can also be caused by untreated depression. Your headaches and depression are treatable in both circumstances. Seek your doctor if you are experiencing depression symptoms and headaches.

Particular headache triggers can be identified and avoided. In addition, some lifestyle adjustments, such as preventive drugs and biofeedback therapy, can be beneficial in addition to medical treatments.