Can Depression Make You Tired? Mental Health & Physical Symptoms
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Depression is a diagnosable mental health condition accompanying multiple symptoms that can adversely impact daily functioning and abilities, and often does. While there are many common depression symptoms, depression can impact each person differently. A common challenge that people with depression experience is disruptions to sleep, which can cause them to feel tired, experience decreased energy levels, and develop physical health complications.
Can depression make you tired?
The term depression encompasses several mental disorders, including major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder. Since depression is a mental health condition, many people have the misconception that symptoms might only present mentally or emotionally. This harmful misconception often contributes to the myth that depression symptoms are "all in your head." However, many depression symptoms are physical. Decreased energy levels, changing sleep habits, stress, and anhedonia (difficulty engaging in activities once enjoyed) are all symptoms of depression that may contribute to fatigue.
While many people experience tiredness occasionally, the tiredness associated with depression often presents as long-term or persistent fatigue. When evaluating symptoms, it can help to distinguish between feeling tired and feeling fatigued.
Where tiredness may dissipate with proper rest, fatigue tends to persist regardless of sleep quality. According to research, depression fatigue is a symptom reported by over 90% of people living with major depressive disorder. Additionally, sleep disturbances and depression have a bidirectional relationship, meaning poor sleep quality can cause or exacerbate depression, and depressive symptoms can make it harder to get good sleep.
A study published by the National Library of Medicine explains that fatigue is one of the most common residual symptoms of partially resolved depression. Fatigue often persists even when a person is receiving adequate treatment for depression. According to recent studies, about 21 million US adults live with depression.
- Along with fatigue, other symptoms of depression may include:
- Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Feeling irritable or frustrated
- Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities
- Sleeping excessively or experiencing difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep
- Disruptions in eating habits
- Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness
- Slow thinking, speaking, or body movements
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or self-hatred
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
- Suicidal thoughts
Depression and chronic fatigue syndrome: How physical symptoms overlap
Determining the root cause of fatigue can often be tricky due to its commonality amongst numerous mental health and medical conditions. Chronic fatigue syndrome is an illness characterized by severe tiredness that isn’t caused by an existing medical condition. Regarding depression and chronic fatigue syndrome, difficulty determining the differences between the two conditions is attributed to several factors.
While depression may not cause chronic fatigue syndrome, someone with chronic fatigue syndrome may experience symptoms of depression. This occurrence can be due to the overall lack of energy the condition creates. Low energy often makes it difficult to find motivation or perform daily tasks, leading to feelings of depression or hopelessness. Additionally, someone with chronic fatigue syndrome may be experiencing certain sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or insomnia. Conditions such as these often exacerbate chronic fatigue syndrome. Both depression and chronic fatigue syndrome can present with physical symptoms such as muscle pain, headaches, and dizziness, making diagnosis more complex.
- Being consistent with sleep and wake times
- Incorporating more physical activity, such as daily walks
- Spending time outside or in nature
- Practicing meditation or relaxation techniques such as deep breathing
- Spending time with loved ones or seeking support from a group or faith-based institution
The causes of fatigue
Along with depression and chronic fatigue syndrome, one may be experiencing fatigue for several reasons. The following are other potential causes:
- Grief
- Sleep disorders or poor sleep habits
- Medications
- Substance use
- An overactive or underactive thyroid
- Medical conditions
- Other mental health conditions
- Chronic pain
- Anemia or iron deficiency
Due to the likelihood of fatigue appearing as a symptom of a multitude of medical disorders, consult your primary care physician if you're unsure of the cause.
Counseling options for mental health and sleep problems
Living with depression-related fatigue can often be debilitating or challenging. There are several ways to cope that range from improving your sleep habits to seeking treatment from a mental health professional. Sleep issues, like insomnia, often accompany depression and worsen fatigue.If you are living with depression symptoms that have persisted for over two weeks, therapy can be an effective form of mental health care.
Research has also proven online therapy to be equally as effective as in-person therapy when it comes to treating the symptoms related to depression, such as fatigue, stress, and hopelessness. It may also provide strategies to improve sleep.
Why do I feel so tired all the time?
There are many potential reasons why an individual might feel chronically tired. You might first try to rule out medical conditions, as fatigue may accompany illnesses such as anemia, fibromyalgia, and chronic kidney disease. However, if there are no underlying health conditions, an individual may have a mental health condition, such as depression, that causes fatigue and lethargy. A family history of mental illness, stressful life events, trauma, chronic medical conditions, and substance use may increase one's risk of depression.
There is a significant link between depression and fatigue. People with depression often have difficulty with sleep, as depression can be connected to insomnia and hypersomnia. Even after getting adequate sleep, an individual living with mental illness may feel extremely fatigued and have difficulty carrying out daily responsibilities.
If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources.
Can mental health issues cause fatigue? Can depression make you tired?
Yes, medically reviewed studies have shown that mental illness, including bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression, increases the risk of chronic fatigue. Medications taken to treat mental illness may also cause fatigue as a side effect.
Living with mental illness can be exhausting. Society places significant stigma and shame around mental illness that can contribute to one feeling like they must hide themselves and their symptoms from others. However, there are ways to learn to manage mental illness and lead a meaningful life. If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of mental illness, seek out the support of a mental health professional who can provide treatment options.
Can stress make you tired?
Ongoing stressful circumstances can cause physical and emotional exhaustion. Under prolonged stress, the body generates cortisol, which, over time, can damage health. Fatigue is a common symptom for those with anxiety disorders and other types of mental illness.
What are the physical symptoms and side effects of chronic fatigue?
Side effects of chronic fatigue include frequent headaches, dizziness, muscle aches and pains, poor concentration, and reduced immune system function.
What are the three types of fatigue?
The three types of fatigue include transient, cumulative, and circadian fatigue. Transient fatigue is acute, brought on by lack of sleep within one or two days; cumulative fatigue occurs after repeated mild sleep restriction over a series of days, and circadian fatigue is reduced performance during nighttime hours.
What vitamin deficiency causes fatigue?
A persistent feeling of tiredness may potentially signal a deficiency of vitamin D, vitamin B-12, iron, magnesium, or potassium. A blood test can help identify vitamin deficiency. Discuss persistent fatigue with a healthcare professional, as they can provide further health information and recommend specific supplements.
Why is my energy so low?
Lifestyle factors may cause low energy levels, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and inconsistent sleep patterns. Low testosterone and sleep apnea are common causes of low energy in men. Mood disorders such as major depressive disorder and, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders can also cause chronic fatigue. If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of mental illness, seek out the support of a mental health professional who can provide treatment options.
How can I boost my energy level?
Making healthy choices can help boost your energy naturally. Medically reviewed articles recommend carving out time for daily exercise. Following a nutritious diet, avoiding smoking, staying hydrated, and limiting alcohol may also significantly impact energy levels. Taking care of your mental health can also be important to relieve stress. If you lead a stressful life, identify coping skills and relaxation techniques to manage stress. Depression and fatigue are often linked, so seeking the support of a mental health professional to help manage depressive symptoms can also be beneficial.
What is a natural energy booster that helps with sleep problems?
Exercise is a natural energy booster, sending oxygen-rich blood through your body to your heart, muscles, and brain. Many individuals with mental health conditions find exercise a beneficial coping skill. It can also reduce sleep problems, as exercise makes falling asleep easier.
What illnesses can cause extreme fatigue?
Illnesses that may cause extreme fatigue include anemia, anxiety disorders, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic kidney disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), anxiety and depression, diabetes, fibromyalgia, heart disease, and sleep disorders like sleep apnea, among others. Consult a doctor if you think you might be experiencing fatigue as a symptom of an underlying medical concern.
Why Am I Still Tired After Sleeping?
Feeling tired after sleeping may indicate a sleep disorder such as restless leg syndrome or sleep apnea. Sleep apnea involves a blockage of the upper airway that causes an individual to wake up choking or gasping for air. This condition can cause extreme sleepiness and fatigue during the day. There are two categories of sleep apnea, including obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
Mental illness, including anxiety and depression, can also cause fatigue after sleeping. If you believe you might be experiencing mental illness symptoms, consult a mental health professional who can help you formulate a treatment plan.
Why does my body hurt when I’m tired?
Chronic fatigue syndrome can cause persistent fatigue and weakness that does not improve with sleep. Due to the body's inability to replenish itself with sleep with this condition, chronic fatigue syndrome may cause muscle and joint pain. Check-in with your healthcare provider for more health information if you feel you are experiencing chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms.
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