Fatigue
Persistent tiredness, exhaustion, or lack of energy that isn't proportionate to activity level and doesn't fully resolve with rest.
Also known as: always tired, exhaustion, no energy, feeling drained, low energy, chronic tiredness
What This Can Look Like
Fatigue can show up differently in different situations. Here are some common experiences:
“Some people describe waking up after a full night's sleep feeling as tired as when they went to bed.”
“This might look like needing to rest after simple activities that wouldn't have been tiring before.”
“For example, the thought of showering or cooking dinner feeling overwhelming because of how much energy it would require.”
Related Experiences
People who notice fatigue sometimes also experience:
Conditions Where This Can Appear
Important: Experiencing fatigue does not mean you have any particular diagnosis. Many people experience this without having a diagnosable condition. Only a qualified professional can determine if symptoms meet criteria for a specific diagnosis.
Other Possible Causes
Fatigue can sometimes have non-psychological causes that are worth considering:
- Sleep disorders (apnea, insomnia) are common causes
- Thyroid conditions (hypothyroidism) cause fatigue
- Anemia and nutritional deficiencies
- Chronic infections or post-viral syndromes
- Medications with sedating effects
- Chronic conditions (diabetes, heart disease)
- Sleep deprivation from any cause
If you're experiencing persistent or concerning symptoms, it's always a good idea to talk with a healthcare provider who can help rule out medical causes.
When to Consider Getting Support
While experiencing fatigue doesn't automatically mean you need professional help, there are times when reaching out can be beneficial:
- When fatigue persists for weeks despite adequate sleep
- When it significantly impacts daily functioning
- When accompanied by other symptoms
- When it represents a notable change from your baseline