Why does depression make us more vulnerable to fatigue?

People with depression are more vulnerable to fatigue. Simple tasks, such as bathing or getting out of bed, may require more effort than they are capable of. Additionally, fatigue may play a role in other symptoms associated with depression, such as withdrawal and apathy.

Depression can increase feelings of tiredness, making the person not able to do some activities that they previously carried out as a result of fatigue. In fact, according to clinical psychologist Shoshana Bennett “it is unusual that fatigue is not one of the symptoms of depression.”

Fatigue affects more than 90% of people with major depressive disorder, as reported by Ghanean, Ceniti and Kennedy (2018) in an article published in CNS Drugs. But what causes the fatigue associated with depression?

Why does depression make us more vulnerable to fatigue?

According to statistics, Residual fatigue in depression contributes significantly to impaired quality of life. Furthermore, it also appears to be an important risk factor for chronicity and relapse (Marin, H. and Menza, 2004).

Possible causes behind fatigue during depression include sleep problems, type of diet, stress, and even the medications used to treat depression itself. We see below the main reasons why people suffering from depression are more vulnerable to fatigue.

Do you have problems sleeping?

Sleep is essential to regenerate the body and replenish energy. Lack of sleep alone does not cause depression. What lack of sleep does is increase the risk of depression. Lack of sleep can also worsen existing depression symptoms; Even in cases where a person with depression gets enough sleep, they may not have good quality sleep.

Soehner, A., Kaplan, K., and Harvey (2014) report that many people with depression and other mental health conditionslike bipolar disorder, experience both insomnia and hypersomnia.

Another sleep disorder that has links to depression is obstructive sleep apnea. In this sense, a study found that Depression is common in people with sleep apnea and it affects the severity of sleep apnea (Edwards et al., 2015). The study found that treating sleep apnea improved symptoms of depression.

Do you follow an inadequate diet?

There has long been speculation about whether diet affects mental health. In this sense, a report found evidence that the highest quality dietssuch as those that include “anti-inflammatory foods,” may reduce some people’s risk of depression (Soehner et al., 2014).

Li et al. (2017) reported that Specific diet patterns linked to increased risk of depression. In this sense, they found that Western-style diets, rich in red meat, processed meats, refined grains, sweets and other unhealthy foods, can increase the risk of depression symptoms in some people.

You’re stressed?

Stress can affect serotonin and dopamine levels. These chemicals in the brain play an essential role in regulating mood and energy.

A study in one of stressful life eventssuch as the end of a relationship, the death of a loved one, a significant loss or health-related changes, among others, can significantly increase a person’s risk of developing major depressive disorder. (Slavich and Irwin, 2014). This study further suggests that stress can also cause inflammation in the body. This inflammation could, in turn, cause hypersomnia and make us more vulnerable to fatigue.

Do you take antidepressants?

Antidepressants act on neurotransmitters in the brain, helping to improve a person’s mood regulation function. However, some antidepressants can cause significant fatigue.

For example, Targum and Fava (2011) report that Some of the medications used to treat major depressive disorder can induce symptoms of fatigue as a side effect.

How to improve fatigue when you are depressed

In addition to talk to your doctor about the problemto rule out or diagnose other causes and/or review your medication, if you have it, there are many things you can do to improve the fatigue associated with depression.

Do exercise. You will sleep better and promote the secretion of hormones and substances in your brain that will increase your feeling of well-being.Practice good sleep hygiene. Follow a routine that promotes quality sleep: take care of your diet, follow relaxation guidelines, etc.Improve your diet. Avoid foods rich in non-beneficial fats – fried foods, trans fats… – and refined sugars. Increase your consumption of true leafy vegetables, oily fish, probiotic foods and other beneficial foods.Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness meditation will help improve your mood and relieve stress.

Remember that Just because we are more vulnerable to fatigue during depression doesn’t mean we have to settle. As we are more proactive to improve your situation, the symptoms of depression will also improve.

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