Depression and Fatigue

Does depression cause fatigue? What's the connection between depression and fatigue?

Many people suffering from depression experience fatigue - sometimes being overwhelmed by lethargy and tiredness. But not all those with chronic fatigue are depressed and it can be difficult to decide what the main problem is sometimes.

There are many possible causes of fatigue and depression is only one amongst a long list.

These are the symptoms of depression - if you have more than two or three from the list below then please consider going to see a doctor to discuss things.

Symptoms of Depression
You may be depressed if you have the following symptoms present every day for more than two weeks
  • Depressed mood or overwhelming lethargy

and five things from this list:

  • Feelings of overwhelming sadness and/or fear, or the seeming inability to feel emotion
  • A decrease in the amount of interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, daily activities.
  • Change in appetite and marked weight gain or loss.
  • Disturbed sleep patterns, such as insomnia or excessive sleep - wakening in the early hours of the morning and not getting back to sleep is a common sign of depression
  • Feelings of agitation or sluggishness nearly every day
  • Mental or physical fatigue and loss of energy.
  • Intense feelings of guilt, nervousness, helplessness, hopelessness, worthlessness, isolation/loneliness and/or anxiety.
  • Trouble concentrating, problems staying focussed or problems making decisions
  • Problems with memory.
  • Recurrent thoughts about death (not just fear of dying),
  • Desire to just "lie down and die" or "stop breathing",
  • Recurrent thoughts about suicide
  • Feeling and/or fear of being abandoned by those close to one.

These are the symptoms that go with a serious depression illness. If you think they apply to you then please seek help before things get any worse.

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