The Physical Symptoms of Depression: Sagging Face and More

Depression manifests differently for different people. Symptoms can vary, and depression looks different on different individuals. However, the psychological stress that comes along with depression can impact the body through physical symptoms like acne, sagging skin, or a lack of elasticity in the skin, psoriasis, or eczema. The release of stress hormones like cortisol, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), glucocorticoids, and epinephrine can impact dermatology and can instigate premature aging. The release of stress hormones can cause fine lines, jowls, premature aging and other changes in facial appearance. So while depression may not directly cause acne or sagging skin, the psychological stress that goes hand in hand with depression may impact your facial expressions.

Psychological stress and the release of stress hormones can have greater psychical symptoms across the body. Chronic stress can trigger issues with one’s immune system, skin conditions, and other neurological effects. If you or a loved one are struggling with the physical symptoms of depression, there are a variety of ways to reduce psychological stress, treating the dermatological symptoms. If you’re looking for more intensive mental health treatment in order to create a more healthy lifestyle, you can contact AMFM Mental Health Treatment for more information.

depression sagging face

Ways to Address Skin Health

If you’re worried about the physical symptoms of depression causing premature again and impacting your facial expressions, there are a variety of tactics to help improve skin health.

Skincare Routines

Incorporating a skincare routine that includes gentle cleansing, daily SPF, moisturizer, retinol, and more can not only help with mental health in the way of building a self-care routine, but also can help with rejuvenation of one’s skin.

Botox

If you’re struggling with fine lines and looking to adjust your facial muscles, some individuals will opt for the assistance of a plastic surgeon, utilizing fillers, facelifts, botox or other strategies to adjust facial appearance and reduce the prevalence of jowls.

Wellness

As previously mentioned, psychological stress can cause sagging skin; addressing stress management on a day to day basis can help with facial appearance. Engaging in a healthy lifestyle that consists of hydration, journaling, regular exercise, self-care, and other healthy lifestyle habits can improve one’s skin over time.

Collagen

Recent studies suggest that collagen supplements improve skin moisture, elasticity, and hydration when orally administered, reducing wrinkling and roughness of skin.1

Other Common Symptoms of Depression

According to the DSM-5, there are nine criteria to diagnose depression, and an individual must express at least five of the following:

  1. Sleep disturbance
  2. Interest/pleasure reduction
  3. Guilt feelings or thoughts of worthlessness
  4. Energy changes/fatigue
  5. Concentration/attention impairment
  6. Appetite/weight changes
  7. Psychomotor disturbances
  8. Suicidal thoughts
  9. Depressed mood
ARE YOU OR A LOVED ONE STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH?

AMFM is here to help you or your loved one take the next steps towards an improved mental well-being.

More About Depression

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Clinical Depression is a mood disorder that is known for causing feelings of sadness, a loss of interest in pleasurable activities, and a range of other emotional and physical symptoms. Symptoms of depression can affect your daily routine, relationships, and overall quality of life. Mental health treatment, through a combination of psychiatry and therapeutic care, can help you to manage these symptoms over time, increasing the quality of life.

Major Depression can affect individuals of varying ages and other demographics. Causes of depression can vary, including genetics, self-esteem, experiences you’ve had in life, and a chemical imbalance within your brain. Depression therapy can help you in overcoming depression and may include the use of depression medications and holistic therapies.

Different Types of Depressive Disorders

Depression can present differently among those experiencing depressive symptoms. There are several types of depressive disorders, each of which have their own features and recommended treatments. While this is not an exhaustive list of the types of depression, it does highlight some of the most common:

  • Bipolar Disorder (Bipolar Depression)
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
  • Postpartum Depression
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
  • Psychotic Depression

Psychiatric Treatment for Depression

There are a variety of different antidepressant medications that have been proven as effective treatment (in combination with psychological treatment) for depression. Some types of antidepressants are listed here, but inquire with a licensed medical professional or psychiatrist for detailed information on different treatments. Never take psychiatric medication unless it is prescribed to you, and be sure to consult with healthcare professionals in case of external risk factors. 

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are antidepressant medications that treat different neurotransmitters in order to block the reabsorption of serotonin or norepinephrine, keeping more of the chemicals in the synaptic cleft. However, both SSRIs and SNRIs have been known to impact fatigue and energy levels, and antidepressants may have fatigue listed as a side effect. Both are effective treatments for depression, but depend upon the individual, and should be approached with medical guidance and professional advice. Click here to learn more about the importance of medication management

Additional Mental Health Diagnoses and Conditions for Treatment

AMFM Mental Health Treatment has extensive experience treating a variety of mental illnesses beyond depression through evidence-based therapies, including but not limited to the following:

  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Eating Disorders
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • ADHD
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Mood Disorders
  • Psychosis 
  • Schizophrenia
  • Panic Attacks

Recovery can feel isolating; mental health programming can provide cohesive treatment plans to help you or your loved one as you move forward.

Does Health Insurance Cover Treatment for Depression?

Yes, most health insurance companies provide some form of coverage for depression treatment. This often includes both inpatient and outpatient care, depending on your symptoms. Coverage generally applies to therapy, counseling, and medication management services. Your plan may have limitations, exclusions, or required authorizations.

We encourage you to verify your coverage with AMFM Mental Health Treatment to understand the full scope of your benefits. This is especially true if you’re looking for specific treatments, like postpartum depression treatments or persistent depressive disorder treatment options.

Call Now

See If Treatment Is Covered

Insurance can be complicated but we are here to help. AMFM has over a decade of experience in the mental health field and is in-network with many large insurance providers.

By using our form, we can quickly determine if you are in-network at one of our facilities. Insurance benefits vary greatly depending on the policy you have, so we obtain a detailed quote of your coverage.

It usually takes between sixty to ninety minutes depending on the time of day.

Our team will check insurance coverage and determine the benefits available to you for mental health services.

We also have private pay options available.

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No Commitment

A Future of Lasting Wellness Awaits at AMFM

A Mission For Michael Mental Health Treatment was founded to bring mental health resources and recovery to those who need it, meeting you with empathy at every step of the way. From admissions to aftercare, our teams are trained to provide the highest level of care, combining compassion with evidence-based personalized treatment plans. Our goal is to encourage and enable long-term behavioral growth and mental well-being in our mental health treatment facilities, to set our clients up for success for the rest of their lives.

You don’t have to embark on this journey alone. Call us to speak confidentially with a member of our care team today.

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Al-Atif H. Collagen Supplements for Aging and Wrinkles: A Paradigm Shift in the Fields of Dermatology and Cosmetics. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2022 Jan 1;12(1):e2022018. doi: 10.5826/dpc.1201a18. PMID: 35223163; PMCID: PMC8824545.

“Psychotherapy: Understanding group therapy.” American Psychological Association, 31 October 2019, https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/group-therapy. Accessed 20 February 2025.

“APA Dictionary of Psychology.” APA Dictionary of Psychology, https://dictionary.apa.org/cognitive-behavior-therapy. Accessed 20 February 2025.

“What is EMDR?” EMDR Institute, https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/. Accessed 20 February 2025.

MA, Carlberg K. “Crisis Intervention – StatPearls.” NCBI, 24 April 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559081/. Accessed 20 February 2025.