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Do you feel exhausted? Here's how to understand and manage fatigue syndrome.
Fatigue syndrome
Many of us have felt tired and worn out, especially in a world that is always ‘on’.
But when does temporary fatigue turn into something more serious like fatigue syndrome or even depression?
In this article, we will highlight the symptoms, differences and treatment methods for fatigue syndrome, all to make the hard part easier.
Symptoms of fatigue
When we talk about symptoms of fatigue, anxiety and tiredness are a given. But it goes beyond that. You may also experience:
- Worry and irritability
- Sleeping problems
- Decreased performance and concentration
- Physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach problems
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Temporary tiredness compared to exhaustion
After a long day at work or a stressful period, it is natural to feel tired. But unlike regular fatigue, fatigue syndrome and depression fatigue are characterized by an ongoing, prolonged tiredness that does not go away despite rest. It is also more complex, involving anxiety, depression and physical symptoms.
Depression or fatigue?
As symptoms often overlap, it is easy to confuse depression and fatigue. Generally speaking, if fatigue comes with an overwhelming sense of hopelessness, it may be an indicator of depression rather than ‘just’ fatigue.
How to get help?
As a result of more and more people suffering from stress fatigue and related symptoms, there are now several treatment options available. One common approach is CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), a proven method for treating both anxiety fatigue and CBT fatigue syndrome.
- Contact a healthcare provider: The first step is to seek professional help for a proper diagnosis.
- Psychologist or therapist: For some, it may be helpful to undergo therapy, either online or in person.
- Medical treatment: In some cases, medication may be necessary, in consultation with a doctor.
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Take the step today
Struggling with fatigue syndrome anxiety or stress and fatigue syndrome can be incredibly difficult, but it’s important to remember that help is available. If you or someone you know is showing signs of fatigue syndrome, you should not hesitate to seek medical advice.
We hope this article has helped you along the way. If you feel you need professional advice, you can easily get in touch with psychologists and therapists through our website. Together we make the difficult easier.
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10 frequently asked questions about fatigue syndrome
What is fatigue syndrome?
Fatigue syndrome is a medical condition that occurs when a person is physically and mentally exhausted for an extended period of time. It is important to seek professional help to diagnose and treat this condition.
How does fatigue syndrome differ from burnout?
While fatigue syndrome is a medical diagnosis, burnout is more of a psychological term that describes a feeling of hopelessness and lack of commitment to work or life in general. Both require professional evaluation.
What are the symptoms of fatigue syndrome?
Common symptoms include extreme fatigue, reduced work capacity, and emotional lability. If you experience these symptoms, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare provider.
How is fatigue depression diagnosed?
No, fatigue syndrome is usually not permanent. With proper treatment, which can include medication and therapy, most people can recover fully.
Is fatigue syndrome permanent?
Treatment can include medication, such as SSRIs, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which has been shown to be particularly effective.
What are the most common causes of fatigue?
The most common causes include prolonged stress, high work demands and work-life imbalance. It is important to identify and manage these factors to prevent fatigue.
How is fatigue syndrome treated?
Treatment may include medication to manage symptoms such as sleep problems and anxiety, and psychotherapy to address the causes of fatigue.
Can fatigue syndrome lead to other illnesses?
Yes, if left untreated, fatigue syndrome can lead to other medical problems such as cardiovascular disease and immune deficiency. Therefore, seek medical attention if you feel exhausted over a long period of time.
Are there any preventive measures against fatigue?
Yes, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, managing stress effectively and setting limits in the workplace are some ways to prevent fatigue.
Where should I go if I suspect I am suffering from fatigue syndrome?
If you experience symptoms of fatigue or burnout, it is recommended that you contact your family doctor or a psychologist for a professional assessment.
This is what a treatment for fatigue syndrome might look like
You feel tired, stressed and out of balance. Perhaps you have already been diagnosed with fatigue syndrome, or are wondering if you should seek help? We understand that it can be difficult to know where to start. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the basic steps that are usually part of a therapeutic treatment for fatigue syndrome.
Step 1: Evaluation and Diagnosis
Before anything else, you should get a professional evaluation and diagnosis from a qualified doctor or psychologist. This diagnosis serves as the basis for your treatment plan.
Step 2: Individual Treatment Plan
Your therapist will then design an individualized treatment plan to suit your specific needs and symptoms. It may include a combination of medication, talk therapy and lifestyle changes.
Step 3: Talk therapy
Talk therapy, which is often part of the treatment, gives you the tools to understand and manage your stressors. It also helps you develop coping strategies.
Step 4: Lifestyle changes
- Exercise: Regular exercise can reduce symptoms of fatigue.
- Diet: A balanced diet can improve your overall well-being.
- Sleep: Sleep is important for recovery and mental focus.
Step 5: Monitoring and adjusting
Even if you find routines and balance, it is important to regularly follow up with your therapist to see how you are doing and possibly adjust your treatment plan.
Step 6: Long-term follow-up
As a result of treatment, you may need to continue with follow-up sessions and possibly medication even after you have recovered, to prevent relapse.
As each person is unique, the treatment plan and recovery time may vary. It is therefore important to have an open dialog with your therapist about your progress and any concerns.
