Have you ever felt you were running on empty and that it would take all your strength to keep going? This is known as sleepiness or lethargy.
Being depressed is one of the most common reasons for fatigue. It affects millions of people each year, yet it is frequently ignored. So what is it about being depressed that causes us to feel tired? Is there a way to overcome the symptoms of being tired?
If you’re tired all the time and can’t seem to shake it, there are several things you can do to start feeling better.
It is essential to know how to fight this tiredness because it can severely impact your health and well-being. This article will outline 14 ways to beat the fatigue caused by depression.
What is Depression?
Depression is a mental disorder characterized by persistent low mood and loss of interest.
Symptoms of depression include sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness; decreased energy or fatigue; difficulty concentrating; insomnia or hypersomnia; appetite changes; and thoughts of death or suicide.
Depression is more than just feeling blue; it is a serious medical condition with extensive consequences if left untreated.
At least one in every six people will experience depression at some point. It is a common yet serious mood disorder affecting physical and mental health. The causes of depression are complex and vary from person to person.
Why Does Depression Make You Tired?
The answer to the question, “Can depression make you tired?” is maybe.
Depression is a debilitating mental health disorder that can make even the simplest tasks impossible. For many people, depression is characterized by fatigue. Constant exhaustion can make it difficult to concentrate, make decisions, or even get out of bed in the morning.
There are several possible explanations for why depression makes you tired. Depression is likely associated with changes in brain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for regulating mood and energy levels. When levels are low, it can lead to feelings of fatigue and low motivation. Depression can also cause changes in sleep patterns, contributing to fatigue during the day.
You must talk to your doctor if you’re struggling with fatigue due to depression. There are several effective treatments available that can help improve your energy levels and help you feel like yourself again.
And finally, some medications used to treat depression can cause fatigue as a side effect.
Tiredness as a Symptom of Depression: How Common Is It?
While depression can cause various symptoms, fatigue is the most common.
Fatigue is more than just feeling tired. It’s profound physical exhaustion that can make even simple tasks seem impossible. People with depression often report that they are dragging themselves through the day.
While fatigue is not always a sign of depression, it is one of the most common symptoms. Research has shown that fatigue is present in up to 80% of people with major depressive disorder.
The Impact of Tiredness on Daily Life: What Are the Consequences?
Many consequences come from being tired. It can impact every aspect of daily life. For instance, they may have difficulty concentrating or focusing on tasks when tired.
This can lead to problems at work or school and even accidents. Being tired can also cause moodiness and irritability, damaging relationships with family and friends.
Fatigue can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
All of these consequences can have a significant impact on someone’s life. Getting enough rest each day is essential to avoid these adverse effects. Most people need around eight hours of sleep each night. However, depending on their unique situation, some people may need more or less.
Causes of Tiredness in Depression: What Can Make It Worse?
It’s not unusual to feel tired when you’re depressed. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of depression. But what can make fatigue worse?
Several things can contribute to fatigue in depression, including:
1. Lack of Sleep: Depression can cause insomnia, which can, in turn, lead to fatigue.
2. Poor Nutrition: When you’re depressed, you may not have the energy or motivation to eat a healthy diet. This can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, making you feel even more tired.
3. Anemia: This is a condition in which the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues. Several things, including certain medications, blood disorders, and gastrointestinal diseases, can cause anemia.
4. Thyroid Problems: An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can cause fatigue, among other symptoms.
5. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: This is a complex condition that several things, including viral infections, psychological stress, and hormonal imbalances, can trigger.
6. Sleep Disorders: Depression can cause several sleep disorders, including insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome. These disorders can make it challenging to get a good night’s sleep, which can, in turn, lead to fatigue.
7. Medications: Some medications can cause fatigue as a side effect. This is most common with antidepressants, antipsychotics, and sedatives.
8. Substance Abuse: Depression can lead to substance abuse, which can, in turn, cause fatigue.
9. Depression Itself: Depression can tire you even when you’re not physically active. This is due to changes in brain chemistry that occur with depression.
If you’re tired and depressed, you must talk to your doctor. Fatigue can be a symptom of several conditions, and getting a proper diagnosis is vital. Once you know what’s causing your fatigue, you can work with your doctor to find the best treatment.
Ways to Beat the Tiredness: Practical Tips
We all know that feeling: you wake up in the morning after a long night and can’t seem to get going. You’re tired and can’t seem to shake it off.
There are many ways to beat tiredness, but not all are practical. Here are a few tips that might help you get going in the morning:
1. Get Up and Move: The first thing you should do when you wake up is to get up and move around. Don’t lie in bed and try to will yourself to wake up. Get up and walk around the room, or do some light stretching.
2. Drink Some Water: Dehydration can contribute to feelings of fatigue, so make sure you drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. A glass of water first thing in the morning can help wake you up and rehydrate your body.
3. Eat a Healthy Breakfast: Eating a nutritious breakfast is a great way to start your day and help you wake up. Ensure you include protein and complex carbs in your breakfast to help give you lasting energy.
4. Get Some Sunlight: Exposure to sunlight helps to regulate your body’s sleep-wake cycle. So, if you can, get outside for a few minutes first thing in the morning and let the sun hit your face.
5. Take a Shower: A hot shower can help you wake up and feel more alert. The water can help to refresh and invigorate you, and the temperature change can help to wake up your body.
6. Drink Some Coffee: Caffeine is a natural stimulant that can help wake you up and boost your energy. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much caffeine can tire you.
7. Listen to Upbeat Music: Listening to upbeat music can help to improve your mood and make you feel more awake. Put on some energizing music to help you get going in the morning.
8. Avoid Screen Time: It can be tempting to check your phone or surf the web first thing in the morning, but doing so can make you feel more tired. The bright screens can be stimulating and make it harder for you to sleep at night.
9. Get Some Exercise: Exercise is a great way to wake up your body and get your blood flowing. Even a short walk or light stretching can help you feel more alert and awake. Even if you don’t feel like it, exercising can help boost your energy levels.
10. Eat Right: Eating a balanced diet will help you get the nutrients you need to stay energized.
11. Get Enough Sleep: This one is important! Ensure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
12. Practice Some Relaxation Techniques: If you’re tired, it might help to do some relaxation exercises. Try deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation to help you calm down and feel more rested.
13. Get Social: If you’re feeling tired from depression, one of the best things you can do is get social. Staying active and talking to friends and loved ones can help improve your mood and give you the energy to fight depression.
There are several ways to get socially active, depending on your interest. You can join a club or group that meets regularly, go out with friends, or volunteer for a cause you care about. Getting involved in activities that make you feel good can help increase your energy levels and reduce fatigue from depression.
14. Talk to Your Doctor: If you think depression may cause your fatigue, talk to your doctor. They can help you get the treatment you need.
Conclusion
Being depressed can make you tired, but there are ways to help improve your energy levels. You can feel more alert and motivated by following the 14 tips from the article. If your fatigue impacts your quality of life, talk to your doctor.
Knowing that you don’t have to suffer in silence is essential. By following these tips and tricks, you can overcome your depression and feel the life back into your body.
Share some other ideas for beating this tiredness in the comments below!
FAQs | Does Being Depressed Make You Tired
Is being fatigued a symptom of depression?
Yes, being tired is a typical sign of depression. Even if they get a lot of sleep, people with depression may constantly feel worn out. Additionally, they could struggle with motivation and focus.
Do people with depression have chronic fatigue?
Chronic tiredness and depression are strongly correlated, and many persons who experience depression also report experiencing chronic fatigue. Although the precise origin of this weariness is unknown, it is believed to be related to the changes in brain chemistry that occur in depression.
Is tiredness a form of depression?
Even though both fatigue and depression are characterized by low energy and diminished drive, they are not the same thing. Fatigue is a physical symptom that depression can produce, although it is not always a sign of depression. Depression is a mental health issue.
What does depression and tiredness feel like?
Even after a long night of sleep, you always feel exhausted. It’s difficult to focus or pay attention to anything. Everything appears to require excessive effort. You might not want to eat or care for yourself, and you could find it challenging to appreciate the things that used to bring you joy.
Sources
- PubMed: Symptoms of fatigue and sleepiness in major depressive disorder
- Healthline: Fatigue and Depression: Are They Connected?
- Sleep Foundation: Depression and Sleep
- PsychCentral: Why Does Depression Make You Feel So Tired?
- Salt Lake Behavioral Health: 5 Reasons Depression Makes You Tired
- Private Therapy: Depression Fatigue: Causes, Symptoms, & Solutions
- MedicalNewsToday: Why does depression make you feel tired?
- Insider: Why depression makes you tired and how to deal with fatigue
Featured Photo by Mel Elías on Unsplash
Editor’s Note: When it comes to your health, always consult a doctor or qualified medical professional before making any decisions. The content in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If you are experiencing any health concerns, speak to a doctor before taking any action. Self-diagnosing and self-treating can be dangerous, and you could make your condition worse. Remember that not all treatments work for everyone, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always do your own research and talk to a healthcare professional before trying any new treatment, diet, or exercise regime.
