Depression and constipation are linked due to poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and a disrupted daily routine. Stress levels can also affect the digestive system, causing diarrhea or constipation.
Many people might guess that constipation and depression are unrelated, as one is mental in nature while the other is physical. In reality, however, the mental changes a person experiences can affect their physical health, and depression and other forms of mental stress often cause or contribute to constipation. Among the reasons depression can contribute to constipation are the poor eating habits and lack of exercise that often accompany bouts of depression. Similarly, a depressed and stressed person may not be able to defecate regularly, which can only make things worse. Additionally, some people find that depression is irritating to their digestive systems in general, which can result in diarrhea, constipation, or alternating bouts of both.
Sometimes the connection between constipation and depression becomes apparent due to a person’s eating habits. In many cases, people with depression are unable to eat as healthily as they normally would. Some forgo fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods in favor of junk foods or quick meals. They may also skip meals at times and not drink enough water to facilitate regular bowel movements. They may also be making choices that work to further aggravate the problem, such as choosing to drink too much alcohol in an effort to dull their emotions.
In many cases, the connection between constipation and depression is linked to exercise. A person’s ability to have normal, regular bowel movements is somehow related to the movement of their body. Exercise helps the digestive system function properly and keeps the muscles involved in producing bowel movements in good condition. When a depressed person neglects exercise or even stops doing many of their daily activities, their chances of becoming constipated can greatly increase. Once the person is already constipated, further lack of exercise can only make things worse.
People with depression often feel out of place and have trouble keeping up with their normal schedules and patterns, which is another way constipation and depression are linked. While many people have regular bowel movements without thinking too much about going to the bathroom, a depressed person may do the opposite. Using the bathroom to defecate can become a chore that a depressed person has trouble remembering, or may not have the motivation to go to the bathroom when they feel the need to. After a person has missed bowel movements even a few times, their intestines can become hard and compact, and the affected person can become constipated.
Interestingly, some people find that their digestive systems are affected by stress levels and how they feel mentally, even if none of their habits change. A depressed and stressed person may notice having bouts of diarrhea or constipation. In some cases, he may even develop diarrhea and experience constipation once it clears up. Nausea is also a common problem among people with digestive systems that are particularly vulnerable to stress.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
