How does depression affect our facial features?

In our e-book, we have already talked about the steps of the grieving process and mentioned depression as a huge part of it. We have also talked about how trauma affects us and changes us, which you can read more about here.

In this article, I would like to see if depression can actually change our facial features. Let's talk about how depression can change the way our faces appear.

When you are depressed, angry, sad, and anxious for a long period of time, there will be some noticeable signs on your face that you are struggling with your mental health and experiencing a hard time in your life. Here is what most people noticed changed in the appearance of their faces:

1. Fine lines. Depression is not just bad for your mental health status, but science shows that it can actually harm your skin. It's no secret that emotions play a huge role in our facial expressions. Anger, especially, causes premature wrinkles. Overthinking is another problem and it is shown that people who regularly overthink and have a lot of worry will get more fine lines and wrinkles. 

2. Under eye bags. Both insomnia and oversleeping can lead to developing under-eye bags over time. Fluid cumulation in the undereye lid is more common. You can read more about oversleeping or insomnia in these articles. 

3. Dry skin, acne, and blemishes. Dry skin will usually appear due to the lack of self-care or better said because of dehydration. Please take care that you drink enough water, and stay away from alcohol. 

Low mood and high stress can cause acne breakouts. Cortisol makes everything worse, so you will experience more blemishes as well.

4. Rashes and hives. Most common within people who are depressed for a longer period of time, due to the poor gut health that is the result of prolonged stress. Try to take better care of your nutrition.

5. Shallow breaths can cause a flush face. Your face may turn red, due to anger and anxiety because you are not breathing correctly. 

+Saggy face. If you are depressed for a long period of time don't like to hang out with others and rarely make facial expressions, your facial muscles can become saggy.