When Being Tired Is Actually Depression

Depression may be one of the most common mental health problems in the United States, but people still often misunderstand it.Many people think that depression manifests itself as obvious sadness and helplessness.But the symptoms of depression tend to be broader and often more subtle.This includes fatigue.

The link between fatigue and depression is not linear and can be difficult to distinguish.But a link does exist between the two, and mental health experts say it’s an important issue that must be attended to – a concern that may be more important than ever during the New Crown epidemic, which has profoundly affected Americans’ mental health and upended people’s sleep habits.

Here is the 411 on depression and fatigue:

Fatigue is a very common symptom of depression.

Nadine Kaslow, a professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory University School of Medicine, says, “More than 90 percent of people with major depression are affected by fatigue.”

Fatigue doesn’t just mean you wake up in the morning feeling physically challenged (although that’s certainly possible) or that you doze off in the middle of the day (although that’s also a possibility).

Fatigue may also manifest as a generalized, persistent lack of energy.Even relatively simple tasks feel like they require a lot of physical and emotional effort.

This relationship is complex.

When it comes to depression and fatigue, says Betty Lai, a psychologist and assistant professor in the Lynch School of Education and Human Development at Boston College, “there may be an underlying ‘factor’ that causes both to occur at the same time.”She notes that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis), a system that helps regulate the body’s response to stress, may play a role.

“Chronic stress disrupts the function of the HPA axis, leading to sleep problems and depression,” Lai explains.

Thus, a common biological basis may be one reason for the link between fatigue and depression, but it is by no means the only one.About 80% of people with depression have sleep problems – and the relationship works both ways.Insomnia can cause (or exacerbate) depression, but they can also be “overlapping” conditions.Depression itself can also lead to insomnia and sleep deprivation.In addition, people who suffer from underlying sleep problems such as chronic fatigue are also more likely to develop depression.

Kaslow explains, “The two-way relationship between depression and fatigue can lead to a vicious cycle that is difficult for people to break.”

Another complicating factor is medication side effects.”Treating depression with medication usually reduces the severity of fatigue symptoms, but some medications can also cause severe fatigue,” Kaslow added.

Note the loss of interest.

Mental health experts emphasize that the symptoms of fatigue associated with depression do not always manifest as physical fatigue.

“One of the warning signs of depression is, ‘Oh, I used to like to do this …… I used to like to do this activity or go to social events.’But I don’t want to do it.I’m not motivated,'” said Tameka Brewington, a psychotherapist and owner of Real Talk Counseling.

Therefore, when diagnosing depression, mental health professionals actually look out for a condition of emotional fatigue and loss of motivation.

If someone is motivated to participate in daily activities but is simply too tired, Bruington said, they will focus more on finding the root cause of their fatigue.

COVID-19 may further complicate the situation.

Again, available evidence suggests that the epidemic is damaging people’s mental health.For example, a recent survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 30 percent of Americans have recently struggled to cope with symptoms of depression or anxiety.One in four parents said their mental health worsened during the epidemic, and one in seven said the same was true for their children.

At the same time, disruptions to normal routines and the stress of living through an unknown and lengthy epidemic can (and have) taken a toll on sleep.

That’s why experts say there’s a particular need to focus on long-term changes in emotional health, sleep habits and fatigue.Especially if those changes last more than two weeks, Bruington said.

She said, “As we live in the midst of an epidemic and are battling a new coronavirus, everyone should be aware that they may feel anxious or depressed, or realize that they are feeling fatigued.”

The fact that fatigue is sometimes easier to talk about is a good thing.

“Sleep can make it easier for people to talk and pay attention,” says Lay.So for people who may have trouble getting mental health support, sleep can be a good “entry point,” she explains.

Because unfortunately, the stigma of seeking mental health support still exists.Data shows that more than 30 percent of Americans say they worry that others will judge them for seeking mental health treatment, and as many as 50 percent of teens and young adults say this is true.

All of the mental health professionals interviewed emphasized that it is crucial for people who are worried about depression, fatigue, or both to seek help.There are many effective treatments for depression, from talk therapy and support groups to medication.

You may want to start by learning about the different types of therapists and the different therapies available, and check out resources like Psychology Today, Black Girl Therapy, or Good Therapy.If you can’t afford to make an appointment (which is difficult for many people), you can also find more affordable treatment options.Additionally, one of the benefits of the COVID-19 outbreak is that it is now easier than ever to begin virtual treatment.

Ultimately, physicians and mental health providers can also identify and address the underlying causes of persistent fatigue.

“It’s true,” Bruington said.”It doesn’t go away by itself.”