Depression encompasses a range of symptoms and problems. For many individuals, depression can be debilitating and make it difficult to go to work or have a normal social life. Patients who are suffering will often experience symptoms of fatigue or tiredness.
Symptoms of Depression
Part of the reason that depression can create extreme fatigue is because of its other symptoms. Individuals who are depressed may find it difficult to sleep at night. They may find it difficult to fall asleep at night or wake up before the alarm goes off in the morning. Often, the quality of sleep is also greatly reduced. Patients will find themselves tossing and turning throughout the night. They will reawaken frequently and may find it impossible to return to sleep.
What this Means for the Patient
Depressed individuals are met with a twofold problem. In addition to causing sleep issues and insomnia, the fatigue it creates may make patients further depressed. Patients may find it hard to recover from their depression when they cannot even achieve a decent night’s rest.
The Answer to Fatigue and Depression
Like any mental disorder, patients who are suffering from depression should always seek out qualified medical help. A doctor or psychiatrist can help individuals to figure out a treatment plan and recover from their depression. In general, medical practitioners will recommend some form of therapy and medication. Depression can be caused by traumatic events or by a genetic disposition toward depression. If the root cause of the depression is a genetically caused chemical imbalance, antidepressants can help the patient to recover and return to their normal lives. Individuals who have suffered from a recent traumatic event like the loss of a loved one will generally benefit from group or grief therapy.
Depression can cause people to feel inordinately tired and fatigued. Just because patients are suffering, does not mean they have to remain in their depression. Medicine, therapy and medical attention can help alleviate the symptoms of depression. With proper assistance, patients can start sleeping at night again and stop experiencing symptoms of fatigue. Depression does not necessarily cause tiredness, but the two experiences are related. As a symptom of depression, tiredness and fatigue is inexplicably linked to depression. Only a consultation with a qualified medical practitioner can help the patient to learn if they are depressed and get the help they need.
