Though depression is usually thought of as a mental or emotional condition, severe depression frequently manifests itself with a handful of physical symptoms. If you are concerned that someone you care about is suffering from depression, here are some of the most common physical symptoms of depression in women.

The most obvious physical symptom of depression in women is a dramatic weight change. Both weight gain and weight loss can signify depression. While a majority of depressed women tend to eat more, demonstrating rapid weight gain, some sufferers of depression lose their appetite altogether and as a result may lose significant weight in a short amount of time.

You can tell a lot about mood by observing the way that someone carries themselves, especially if that person is normally more conscientious about posture. The toll depression takes on self-esteem often manifests itself in the way a woman stands or sits. A woman that slouches constantly or naturally reverts to defensive body language like crossed arms or the fetal position is a likely sufferer of depression.

Women that are deeply depressed may stop caring for themselves in basic ways. They lose track of simple everyday maintenance like showering and doing their hair and makeup. If you see a noticeable negative change in the way a woman presents and maintains herself, depression is a likely explanation.

Not only is depression caused by a flood of chemicals in the body and brain, prolonged depression keeps those chemicals pumping. As a result, the stress of the situation can easily take a physical toll on the body of the sufferer. Small aches and pains as well as negative changes in digestion and sleeping patterns are all physical symptoms of depression.

Because you cannot always see the mental and emotional symptoms of depression, you sometimes have to rely on more obvious physical signs of distress. Rapid weight changes, bad posture, a lapse in hygiene and constant aches and pains are all common physical symptoms of depression.