Common Causes Of Persistent Low Energy Or Fatigue And How To Find Help
This article is not a substitute for individual medical advice or diagnosis. Please discuss your symptoms with your doctor for individualized guidance and care.
When we think of persistent low energy and the potential reasons, many of the culprits that come to mind might be physical. However, several different mental health conditions list low energy as a possible sign or symptom as well. In this article, we’ll look at some mental health conditions or disorders that list low energy as a primary symptom and what you can you do to feel more energized.
What are the common causes of persistent low energy?
Several mental health conditions list low energy as a primary symptom. Here are some of the most common mental health conditions and concerns that cause low energy or fatigue.
Depression
Low energy, tiredness, fatigue, or decreased efficiency in routine tasks are common signs of depression. An individual living with depression may have trouble with self-care activities; experience difficulty functioning at work, school, and other areas of life; or experience changes in sleep, such as sleeping more or less than usual. There are different types of depression a person can live with, such as major depressive disorder (MDD), persistent depressive disorder (PDD), postpartum depression, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). With all of these diagnoses, low energy is both possible and common. Other disorders, like bipolar disorder (characterized by alternating periods of hypomania or mania and depression), may also lead to a depressive episode during which low energy is a symptom.
Anxiety disorders
Like depressive disorders, various anxiety disorders – such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – can come with low energy, tiring easily, and fatigue. It’s a primary symptom. To be diagnosed with GAD, the most common anxiety disorder, you must experience three or more of the following symptoms, not better attributed to another cause:
Restlessness or feeling keyed up/on edge.
Being easily fatigued
Disrupted sleep (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless unsatisfying sleep)
Mind going blank, or trouble concentrating/focusing
Muscle tension
Irritability
Emotional or psychological symptoms of anxiety, like excessive worry, can take a great deal of energy and may contribute to the mental and physical fatigue someone feels. Trouble sleeping, too, can worsen this symptom and may further exacerbate other signs of anxiety.
Stress
Though stress isn’t a diagnosable mental health condition, it can seriously impact your mental and physical health. It may lead to low energy and other symptoms affecting a person’s life, like irritability. Stress management is vital for overall health, whether or not someone lives with a diagnosable mental or physical illness. Stress can also worsen existing health conditions and if left unaddressed, persistent stress can lead to potentially severe consequences.
Other concerns and conditions
Other mental health conditions can lead to low energy, fatigue, or tiredness, even if low energy isn’t a primary symptom. For example, many of those who live with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) express feeling tired or experiencing low energy. PTSD, grief, and eating disorders* can also lead to low energy.
*Eating disorders are serious and can affect anyone. If you or someone you know is experiencing signs or symptoms of an eating disorder, call or text the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) helpline at 1-800-931-2237.
Mental health conditions also increase the likelihood that someone will develop chronic fatigue. Sleep disorders, too, are more common in those with a range of different mental health conditions. If you have a mental health condition or think that you might, it’s vital to reach out to a medical or mental health professional who can help.
Ruling out physical causes of fatigue such as anemia, dehydration, and diet
Low energy can be caused by matters related to physical health. A chronic illness may make you tired, as can nutrient deficiencies and other concerns. Make sure to talk with your doctor to rule out any potential physical causes of low energy, such as anemia, a B12 deficiency, or abnormal thyroid levels – all of which can impact your mental well-being and your physical health.
Dehydration can lead to fatigue due to poor blood circulation to your brain and body. When you’re dehydrated, your overall body functioning to carry out simple tasks can be affected. Aside from that, one’s diet can also contribute to one’s energy levels which is why having a balanced diet is also essential to avoid getting fatigued.
It’s essential that these things be addressed, whether or not there are co-occurring mental health concerns. A quick blood test can check for many common physical causes of fatigue, like nutrient deficiencies.
Treatment options for low energy
Research suggests that any of the following interventions can usually help with the management of symptoms seen in various mental health conditions, including those that cause low energy. Some may work better than others depending on the root cause and situation.
Massage
Though it may not be used as a standalone treatment, studies suggest that massage can help with depression and generalized anxiety disorder symptoms. Massage can decrease cortisol levels, and some individuals feel that it helps with energy levels and pain.
Acupuncture
Research suggests that individuals facing several medical and mental health concerns may find acupuncture helpful, including those with depression, anxiety, and chronic fatigue. Though it can be pricey, some acupuncture professionals accept health insurance or offer sliding scale rates.
Peer support to combat stress and anxiety
Whether in-person or online, peer support may be valuable for those who live with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. It can also be an avenue of comfort or relief for individuals who live with physical health conditions. Research indicates that peer support options such as support groups can help with depression, anxiety, burnout, and stress, all of which can potentially impact energy and other concerns like self-esteem.
Medications
Various types of medication can help treat mental disorders such as anxiety and depression, including low energy as a primary symptom. Medication can be used alongside other forms of treatment and support, like talk therapy, or it may be prescribed on its own. Make sure to consult with your doctor before changing, starting, or stopping medications.
Lifestyle factors
Getting enough sleep, implementing a form of physical activity that you enjoy in your life, and limiting alcohol are lifestyle factors that can support overall health and energy levels.
Mental health therapy
Therapy is a golden-standard treatment for many mental disorders and conditions. It can help with symptom management in conditions such as depression or anxiety. It can also aid those experiencing stress, grief, difficulty in interpersonal relationships, and physical health conditions. A therapist can provide validation, guidance, coping skills, and more.
How online therapy can help with fatigue
One of the most popular forms of therapy is called cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which works to help identify the roots of problems and how to reframe false and negative thinking patterns. CBT has consistently been found to improve many mental health conditions – including depression and anxiety – and individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome. In fact, a 2021 study of chronic fatigue syndrome patients found that those who received CBT reported improved physical function and less fatigue after treatment. These positive results were also still in effect after a year.
It can be tough to reach out for support with low energy, but there are ways to make it more manageable. You can reach out via email instead of making phone calls or asking for a referral to a therapist from another medical or mental health professional, which may take some pressure off. You might also consider trying online therapy.
Online therapy is like in-person therapy, but sessions are conducted online – via video, audio call, or online chat – instead of in a face-to-face setting like a traditional therapy office. As with in-person therapy, research shows that it’s just as effective as in-person therapy in treating several different mental health concerns. This includes disorders that can cause low energy, like depression and anxiety.
Talk to someone to decrease stress
Whether you have an underlying physical or mental health condition, face life stress contributing to low energy, or have something else on your mind, it can be advantageous to have someone to talk to. Joining an online therapy platform like BetterHelp can make it easier to get the help you need. BetterHelp can match you with a professional so that you don’t have to shop around, spend time on a waiting list, or reach out to therapists who don’t have openings.
Seek professional help regarding common causes of persistent low energy
There are over 35,000 licensed mental health professionals on the BetterHelp platform who offer therapy and specialize in various mental health concerns. BetterHelp plans are often more affordable than traditional in-person mental health therapy, and financial aid may be available for those who need it. Additionally, users can be paired with a therapist within 48 hours of signing up on the platform and can begin sessions soon after (whenever works for both the client and the therapist).
Takeaway
Why is my physical energy so low?
Many mental health conditions can cause low energy, including depression, anxiety, and stress. There are also a wide range of acute and chronic diseases that can cause fatigue, too. If you’re experiencing low energy, talk to your doctor to determine the underlying cause.
What does your body need when you have low energy?
Your body can need many things when you have low energy, depending on the cause. While you should talk to your doctor to get a definitive diagnosis when you have low energy, it can be important to ensure you’re getting enough rest.
What causes people to suffer from low energy levels?
Many things can cause people to suffer from low energy levels, including some common mental and physical health conditions. If you are experiencing low energy levels, it is best to talk to your doctor to help you determine if there are any underlying physical causes. Talking to a therapist can also help if your low energy levels are due to a mental health condition like depression or anxiety.
Does lack of physical activity or exercise cause fatigue?
It can. In some cases, moving more can help you get more energy. When you exercise, changes occur on a cellular level as your muscle cells use glucose to create more energy. Physical activity also increases the amount of oxygen circulating through your body, which allows your body to function more efficiently. Some of the feel-good hormones released during exercise can also improve mood and contribute to having more energy. That said, if you have an underlying physical or mental health condition that is contributing to your fatigue, increasing physical activity may not help. If you are experiencing these fatigue symptoms, talk to your doctor.
How do I stop feeling low energy all the time?
Some things that you can try to boost your energy include the following:
Getting a massage.
Getting acupuncture.
Reaching out for support from your peers.
Taking medications prescribed by your doctor.
Implementing lifestyle changes, like getting enough sleep and ensuring you get daily exercise.
Talking to a mental health professional.
What is the difference between high-energy and low-energy people?
The difference between high-energy and low-energy people may be more about personality than energy levels. For example, people with naturally high-energy personalities may appear more outgoing or talkative. They may like to stay busy and enjoy tackling multiple projects at once. In contrast, low-energy people may prefer jobs that are slower and more time-consuming. They may be more detail-oriented and prefer to work alone.
That said, these differences don’t necessarily have anything to do with the amount of energy these types of people have. Someone who is outgoing and thrives at multitasking may have more physical fatigue than someone who prefers to methodically complete complex projects.
Differences in sleep and exercise routines
Another way to approach the differences between high-energy and low-energy people is to consider their actual energy levels. In this case, high-energy people might need less sleep, fall asleep easily, wake up earlier, have a regular workout routine, and make it through the day without having a mid-afternoon crash. In contrast, low-energy people may have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning, need a nap during the day, and have a lack of energy that prevents them from maintaining a regular exercise routine.
Are some people naturally low energy?
There is no research that says that some people are just born with less energy than others; it’s likely that lifestyle factors may have more to do with it than genetics. Fatigue is a symptom of eating a poor diet, not getting enough sleep, engaging in alcohol or drug use, or getting too little or too much physical activity. There are also many medical conditions that can cause low energy, including anemia, heart disease, fibromyalgia, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lupus, and sleep apnea. According to the American Cancer Society, between 80 and 100% of people with cancer experience cancer-related fatigue. If you are experiencing low energy levels, talk to your doctor to determine if there is an underlying cause.
Anemia as a possible reason for fatigue
Iron deficiency anemia can lead to having difficulty breathing and feeling exhausted, that is because when the amount of iron levels are low, your body won’t be able to produce enough hemoglobin in the red blood cells which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Anemia can be treated with iron supplementation and a healthy diet.
Why do people have different energy levels?
It depends. Some people have lifestyle habits that are more likely to support high energy levels. For example, people who have good sleep habits, eat a balanced diet, and engage in moderate exercise. Sometimes, though, mild to extreme fatigue can be a common symptom of many underlying mental or physical health problems. If you are experiencing mild to severe fatigue, it can be challenging to determine the cause without blood tests, which is why seeing your doctor is so important.
Having a balanced diet and avoiding dehydration
Having a balanced diet is important to give your body the essential nutrition and energy that it needs and requires. Carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids supply the calories that your body needs for fueling activity and maintaining energy. Similarly, drinking enough water also helps in eliminating excess toxins, carrying minerals and oxygen, as well as boosting one’s energy to fight against fatigue.
Is low energy the same as being tired?
No. Most people feel tired after a poor night of sleep or at the end of a long, busy day. Usually, resting and relaxing for a few hours and getting a good night’s sleep can improve tiredness. When people experience low energy or fatigue, no amount of sleep improves how tired they feel. Fatigue can make it so people don’t have the energy to do simple tasks and feel like they’re running on fumes.
Why do I have more energy when I don't eat?
There are a few reasons why this can happen. Some foods can release hormones that can make you tired, and eating a big meal can take a lot of energy to digest. Some studies on intermittent fasting for weight loss, specifically time-restricted fasting to lose weight, indicate that people may experience increased energy levels after not eating for an extended period of time. But not eating for too long can have the opposite effect. If the body enters a state of starvation, it can begin to break down muscle, and when it doesn’t get the proper nutrients, critical bodily functions can be impaired. So, while not eating may initially lead to increased energy, this is not something the body can sustain over time.
Why have I been so tired lately even after lots of sleep?
Studies have shown that there is a connection between too little energy and too much sleep. A significant deviation from usual and regular sleeping schedules can interfere with your body’s natural rhythms, which then can lead to low energy during the day.
Source: https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/physical-side-effects-oversleeping
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322697#Sleep-duration-and-quality
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