What Is the Connection between Constipation and Depression?

Many people might imagine that constipation and depression are unrelated, as one is mental in nature while the other is physical. In reality, however, the mental changes a person experiences can affect his physical health, and depression and other forms of mental stress often cause or contribute to constipation. Among the reasons depression may contribute to constipation are the poor eating habits and lack of exercise that often accompany bouts of depression. Likewise, a depressed, stressed out person may fail to move his bowels regularly, which can only make matters worse. Additionally, some people find that depression is irritating to their digestive systems overall, which can result in diarrhea, constipation, or alternating bouts of both.

Sometimes the connection between constipation and depression becomes evident because of a person's eating habits. In many cases, depressed people fail to eat as healthily as they normally would. Some forgo fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods in favor of eating junk foods or quick meals. They may also skip meals at times and fail to drink enough water to facilitate regular bowel movements. They might even make choices that work to further compound the problem, such as choosing to drink too much alcohol in an effort to dull their emotions.

In many cases, the connection between constipation and depression is related to exercise. A person's ability to have normal, regular bowel movements is somewhat related to the movement of his body. Exercise helps the digestive system work properly and keeps muscles involved in producing bowel movements in good condition. When a depressed person neglects exercise or even stops performing many of his everyday activities, his chances of becoming constipated can increase dramatically. Once the person is already constipated, the further lack of exercise may only make matters worse.

People who are depressed often feel off kilter and have a difficult time keeping up with their normal schedules and patterns, which represents another way constipation and depression are connected. While many people have bowel movements on a regular basis without putting much thought into going to the bathroom, a depressed person may behave in an opposite manner. Using the bathroom to have a bowel movement may become a chore that a depressed person has difficulty remembering, or he may lack the motivation to go to the bathroom when he feels the urge to do so. After a person skips bowel movements even a couple of times, his bowels can become hard and compacted, and the affected person may become constipated.

Interestingly, some people find that their digestive systems are affected by stress levels and how they feel mentally, even if none of their habits change. A depressed, stressed person may notice that he has bouts of diarrhea or constipation. In some cases, he may even develop diarrhea, and once that resolves, experience constipation. Nausea is also a common problem among people with digestive systems that are particularly vulnerable to stress.