Fatigue Treatment

If the feeling of constant exhaustion or fatigue continues for two weeks or more, it is important to seek medical attention. Disrupting daily activities could also be a good indicator that you might need medical advice. Consult a doctor when:

• Persistent fatigue: If your fatigue lasts more than 2 weeks
• Underlying health conditions: If you have any chronic illnesses or underlying health conditions
• Mental health issues: If your fatigue is leading to any mental health concerns or if you have any pre-existing mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, chronic stress and more
• Worsens over time: If you don’t see any improvement with self-care and if the symptoms tend to get worse

Here are some common causes of fatigue:

• Lack of sleep, insomnia or sleep apnoea
• Physical exertion or inadequate recovery time after overexertion
• Emotional and mental stress
• Poor nutrition and vitamin deficiencies
• Dehydration
• Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disorders, and chronic fatigue syndrome
• Certain medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications
• Excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Conditions like depression and anxiety
• Physical conditions such as anaemia, viral infections, fevers etc.

Fatigue can have physical, emotional and mental symptoms. It can lead to many issues in daily life, work or in relationships. Most people suffering from fatigue experience at least a few of the symptoms below:

• Constant exhaustion: A constant feeling of lack of energy, even after adequate rest.
• Trouble concentrating: Difficulty focusing, or remembering things, often described as “brain fog.”
• Irritability: Feelings of frustration and irritability even during the slightest change in the situation
• Lack of motivation: No interest in activities or tasks that once brought joy
• Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing unrefreshing sleep
• Muscle weakness: Reduced strength, making physical tasks feel more challenging.
• Headaches: Frequent headaches or migraines which are often linked to tension or stress.
• Changes in appetite: Either overeating or loss of appetite.
• Mood changes: Increased feelings of anxiety or depression
• Physical symptoms: Body aches, joint pain, gastrointestinal issues and a general feeling of illness

Differentiating between normal tiredness and fatigue involves understanding the severity and impact on daily life. Normal tiredness usually resolves with adequate rest whereas fatigue is persistent, overwhelming, and often accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty concentrating or a lack of motivation.

As there is no single tiredness test, to pinpoint the underlying cause of fatigue, medical practitioners use a combination of methods such as blood tests, imaging tests, and sleep monitoring for conditions such as sleep apnoea.

Self-care is essential for managing fatigue, especially for people who often face high stress levels. Engaging in self-care practices can help restore energy and improve overall well-being. This includes prioritising adequate rest, maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and incorporating regular physical activity into your routine.

Additionally, mindfulness techniques such as meditation or yoga can alleviate stress and promote relaxation, further combating fatigue. Self-care for professionals is important for managing stress daily, so it does not lead to fatigue.

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