Can depression cause tension headaches?

Possibly: Depression can make a lot of pain conditions worse. I would get in to see your primary care doctor or a good pain management doctor.

Not generally: Depression does not specifically cause tension headaches. How often are you having headaches? If it is frequent, it is likely migraine headaches, not tension. Although you might feel that you are too young for migraines, many people have them at even younger ages. There is a high co-existence rate of migraines with depression. You should talk with a headache neurologist.

Can be a trigger: Depression and anxiety can lead to or be a consequence of chronic stress which can produce muscle tension and tension headaches. Sometimes people with depression will develop and complain of common somatic complaints such as headache and GI complaints along with general malaise. However, its always important to rule out medical condition which can alos produce such symptoms.

Sure: Depression can cause stress, and stress can cause headaches.

Absolutely: Having clinical depression can be extremely stressful. Many somatic symptoms can cause and be the result of depression. Headaches are particularly common and many aspects of depression make sure them worse. It is often a chicken and egg question.