What is the link between depression and tiredness?
Depression (or any number of depressive disorders) is usually characterized by feelings of intense sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety. Chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition that creates consistent feelings of fatigue with no apparent cause, is often misdiagnosed as depression.
Those suffering from a depressive disorder will find themselves more likely to experience the symptoms of fatigue, and people suffering from chronic fatigue are more likely to develop the symptoms of depression. This results in a vicious circle that can feel impossible to break.
Depression symptoms can only increase your risk of fatigue, usually caused by sleep problems, stress, poor diet, or even the medications you are using to treat your depression. Continue reading to learn more about the link between depression and tiredness/fatigue.
What is the difference between depression and fatigue?
The biggest difference is that depressive disorders are mental health disorders, but chronic fatigue syndrome is mostly a physical disorder. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to tell what disorder a person is suffering from because of the overlap between the conditions.
Symptoms of Depression
- Consistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, and anxiety
- Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness
- Lack of interest in hobbies you used to enjoy
- Eating too much or too little
- Difficulty concentrating
- Cramps
- Stomach upset
- Headaches
- Difficulty sleeping
Symptoms of Fatigue
Fortunately, chronic fatigue syndrome also includes some symptoms that are unique to this disorder and will not commonly appear in cases of depression, such as:
- Tender lymph nodes
- Sore throat
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
There are a few other ways to differentiate between the two types of disorders. For instance, people with depression will not only feel tired but also disinterested in activities, whereas those with chronic fatigue syndrome usually want to engage in these activities but feel too tired to do so.
How can I find relief from tiredness from depression?
Unfortunately, many with a depressive disorder face tiredness and fatigue so overpowering that it can seem like a Herculean task just to get out of bed for the day. And as a person grows more fatigued and detached from everyday activities, they fall deeper into the symptoms of depression. Here are some tips, new treatments, and lifestyle changes you can make at home to combat the symptoms of tiredness and fatigue. While some may find relief through antidepressants, many antidepressants also bring fatigue or restlessness as a side effect.
Eat Better
Many people with depression report appetite loss, and skipping meals (or eating poorly) can lead to even more fatigue or a lack of energy. Doctors and healthcare professionals recommend eating meals high in protein and drinking water to avoid the feelings of fatigue. Additionally, sugar in a diet can lead to a crash after the initial burst in energy, so sugar should be limited or even avoided.
Get Into a Sleep Routine
Try going to sleep at the same time each night and setting an alarm for the same time each morning. The routine will do a lot of good for you and will help build up a tolerance to this fatigue. It is also important to spend some quiet time during the day, with activities such as reading or meditating.
Connect With Friends
Active, in-person social engagement with friends or family is important. Your close friends and family may be a powerful support net during your time of need.
Ketamine for Depression Treatment
An innovative new treatment option, Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic that has been found to provide rapid relief from depression and anxiety when infused at a low dose. The FDA has recently approved Esketamine, a nasal spray comprised of a compound based on Ketamine, for the treatment of depression and other mood disorders. Research indicates that Ketamine stimulates the regrowth of synapses within the brain, essentially rewiring the parts of the brain that may be causing distress. Ketamine is also available as an infusion. Some researchers maintain a 75% success rate when treating those suffering from depression or anxiety with Ketamine Infusions. If you would like to schedule a consultation for Ketamine Therapy and see if Ketamine InfusionTherapy For Depression Treatment In Albany is right for you, contact us at (518) 249-5700.
