20). Sexual problems also stem from increased physical tension and emotional turbulence experienced by a depressed person. Secondly, there are feelings of fatigue in the individual. Depressed people are often very tired even though they might have an inactive lifestyle (Schwartz, 1993, p.18). They have weak reactions and have very little stamina. It seems like they spend all their energy just trying to stay awake. The fatigue may also be a natural consequence of unfulfilled sleep, a common symptom of depression (Salmons, 1995, p.13). Thirdly, appetite changes. In sixty to seventy percent of cases, depressives suffer a loss of appetite and lose weight (Schwartz, 1993, p.19). Preparing food, thinking about food or even shopping for food is very uninteresting to them. They do not derive satisfaction from the pleasure of food; they simply see food as a means of sustenance. Other depressives" appetite may be affected in the most opposite manner; they may suffer weight gain (Salmons, 1995, p.12). They may binge sporadically on food with the belief that eating will give them relief from their problems and worries. Both types of eating disorders can also stem from the loss of interest in health and appearance. Fourthly, there is a change in sleep patterns. Depressives can have insomnia (Salmons, 1995, p.12). They can lay awake for hours or awaken many times during the night and stare at the ceiling. This type of sleep is sometimes characterized as being restless. On the other end of the spectrum, depressed people have hypersomnia. They sleep for abnormally long periods of time (The Depressive Spectrum, online). Depressed people usually have miserable daytime lives where they struggle continuously. Therefore, sleep becomes a respite from the pain of daily living. Fifthly, the depressive person can also have the following physical ailments which nag them: headaches, neck ache, back pain, muscle cramps, heart burn, and indigestion among others (Schwartz, 1993, p.
