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

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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

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General Inquiry

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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

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Types of Therapy and Counseling for Depression

Depression can affect individuals differently, which often requires individualized treatment. There are a variety of depression treatment options that can be used to address the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of this condition. Some of the most common approaches used in treatment plans include:

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy takes place in a one on one setting with a licensed professional, usually consisting of a combination of dialectical and cognitive behavioral therapies, in which a person can talk through his or her individual struggles. Individual therapy and mental health care is one of the most crucial steps for those facing mental health challenges.

Group Therapy

Group therapy sessions can be used to help provide structured times to help you understand that you are not alone in your struggles, that your peers are also walking through these challenges, while also providing guidance, suggestions and communications from psychologists with specialized backgrounds2. These groups can span a variety of backgrounds, including but not limited to art therapy, somatic therapy, and narrative therapy. 

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that’s focused on restructuring and reprogramming maladaptive and negative thought processes3. Psychologists are trained to help you change your cognitive and emotional processes in order to outgrow coping mechanisms that may no longer be serving you. 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is most commonly referred to as “talk therapy,” and is designed to help process emotions. Qualified professionals offer psychological therapy to move forward with healthy ways of engaging in interpersonal relationships and alleviating physical and emotional distress. 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

EMDR Therapy is a renowned method of reprocessing most often used in trauma therapy.4 By activating the prefrontal cortex through a series of bilateral stimulation, qualified professionals can lead you through traumatic experiences, helping you to alleviate the distress symptomized by trauma.

Crisis Intervention and Stabilization Services

A crisis is defined by the National Library of Medicine “as an overwhelming event, which can include divorce, violence, the passing of a loved one, or the discovery of a serious illness.”5 The goal of crisis intervention is to provide safety and reduce any potential harm to an individual undergoing a crisis.

Psychiatric Care

AMFM Mental Health Treatment provides comprehensive psychiatric care, along with traditional therapeutic modalities. Our on-staff clinicians are equipped to design personalized treatment plans for your continued success. In combination with psychotherapy, psychiatric care is handled safely, to help you or your loved one overcome mental health challenges. 

Family Therapy Programs

Family therapy may be used when a loved one’s mental health symptoms are affecting others. This can increase a family members’ understanding of anxiety and talk about how to support each other. Family therapy sessions can improve communication patterns, focus on problem-solving, address unresolved conflicts, and increase the sense of understanding among one another.

Holistic Therapy focuses on the mind-body-spirit connection, approaching the whole person when it comes to mental health treatment, rather than addressing a singular symptom or challenge at a time. By healing the whole person–encouraging balance and well-being for well-rounded growth, holistic therapy can build health habits that last a lifetime.

Psychodynamic Therapy is a method of talk therapy developed by Sigmund Freud, which analyzes instances in childhood that may have consciously or unconsciously influenced current attitudes, beliefs and behaviors. Psychodynamic therapy can help a licensed clinician or therapist gain insight into formative moments that may be informing a person’s learned trauma responses.

TMS Therapy is a type of therapy that uses magnetic pulses to treat depression by stimulating certain areas of the brain. This is a noninvasive method of treatment that some mental health programs offer for treatment of depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Alternative Therapies

Therapies like Equine Therapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Music Therapy are alternative therapies that encourage clients at AMFM Mental Health Treatment to look outside the box for new spaces to grow, heal, and express themselves. These kinds of therapies are proven to help with emotional processing, and explore new modalities and approaches for you or your loved one to connect with your inner child.

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.

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What to Expect

Insurance Verification
Our team will verify if your insurance provider is in-network with an AMFM Healthcare Facility.

Contact From Admission Representative:
Expect a call within an hour from an admissions representative to discuss treatment options.

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.

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.

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