Tiredness and fatigue are more than just feeling sleepy, they can profoundly impact mental, physical, and emotional well-being, making daily tasks feel overwhelming. While occasional tiredness is normal, persistent fatigue may signal underlying health issues. At Still Mind Behavioral Mental Health, we offer compassionate, evidence-based care to help individuals uncover the causes of fatigue and restore vitality.

What Are Tiredness and Fatigue?

Tiredness refers to a temporary state of low energy, often relieved by rest or sleep, while fatigue is a chronic, pervasive lack of energy that persists despite rest, as defined in a 2024 Mayo Clinic overview1. A 2023 Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine study explains that fatigue involves physical, mental, or emotional exhaustion, often linked to medical or psychological conditions2. Unlike tiredness, fatigue can impair cognitive function and motivation, making routine activities challenging.

For example, someone with tiredness might feel refreshed after a nap, while a person with fatigue might struggle to get out of bed despite sleeping. At Still Mind, we help clients identify whether their symptoms are tiredness or fatigue and address underlying causes.

Signs of Tiredness and Fatigue

Tiredness and fatigue manifest through a range of symptoms that affect daily functioning. A 2024 Frontiers in Psychiatry study highlights that fatigue often includes cognitive difficulties and emotional distress, distinguishing it from simple tiredness3. A 2023 National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) resource notes that persistent fatigue may signal mental health or medical issues4.

Common signs include:

  • Physical Exhaustion – Feeling weak, heavy, or unable to perform tasks (e.g., struggling to climb stairs).
  • Cognitive Impairment – Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions (e.g., forgetting appointments).
  • Emotional Fatigue – Irritability, low motivation, or feeling overwhelmed (e.g., snapping at loved ones).
  • Sleep Issues – Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling unrefreshed after sleep.
  • Reduced Performance – Decreased productivity at work or school due to low energy.

Individuals might feel drained after minimal effort or lose interest in hobbies. Our therapists work with clients to recognize these signs and develop strategies to restore energy.

How Tiredness and Fatigue Affect Daily Life

Chronic fatigue can significantly impair daily functioning, affecting relationships, productivity, and overall well-being. A 2023 Journal of Psychosomatic Research study found that fatigue often leads to social withdrawal, reduced work performance, and strained personal connections due to irritability or lack of energy5. A 2024 NAMI resource emphasizes that fatigue can exacerbate mental health struggles, creating a cycle of distress6.

For instance, someone with fatigue might cancel plans with friends, struggle to meet work deadlines, or neglect self-care tasks like exercise. This can lead to feelings of guilt or isolation. At Still Mind, we support clients in breaking this cycle to rebuild vitality and engagement.

Why Do Tiredness and Fatigue Occur?

Tiredness and fatigue stem from a complex interplay of physical, psychological, and environmental factors. A 2024 Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews study links chronic fatigue to dysregulation in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which affects stress and energy regulation7. A 2023 Psychiatric Times article identifies mental health conditions, medical issues, and lifestyle as key contributors8.

Common causes include:

  • Medical Conditions – Anemia, thyroid disorders, or chronic illnesses like fibromyalgia.
  • Mental Health Issues – Depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Sleep Disorders – Insomnia, sleep apnea, or poor sleep hygiene.
  • Lifestyle Factors – Poor diet, lack of exercise, or overwork.
  • Medications – Side effects from antidepressants or antihistamines.

We assess these factors to create tailored interventions that address the root causes of fatigue, promoting lasting energy restoration.

Mental Health Connections to Tiredness and Fatigue

Fatigue is closely linked to mental health conditions, often amplifying their effects. A 2024 Journal of Clinical Psychology study notes that fatigue is a core symptom of depression and can be triggered by the cognitive overload of anxiety disorders, where constant worry depletes energy9. Chronic stress or PTSD may also contribute, as the body remains in a heightened state, leading to exhaustion.

For example, someone with depression might feel too fatigued to engage in daily tasks, while an anxious individual might lose sleep over racing thoughts, worsening fatigue. Our comprehensive assessments identify these connections to provide holistic care.

How Are Tiredness and Fatigue Identified?

Identifying tiredness and fatigue requires a thorough evaluation of symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors. A 2023 American Journal of Psychiatry article recommends screening tools like the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) to assess fatigue’s impact and rule out medical or psychiatric causes10. Therapists at Still Mind explore clients’ energy levels, sleep patterns, and emotional state to pinpoint contributors.

Clients might report feeling drained despite adequate sleep or struggling with concentration. This empathetic assessment distinguishes normal tiredness from chronic fatigue, guiding targeted interventions.

Treatment Options for Tiredness and Fatigue

Treatment focuses on addressing underlying causes and boosting energy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for fatigue linked to depression or anxiety, helping clients manage negative thoughts and improve motivation, as supported by a 2024 Journal of Psychosomatic Research study5. For medical causes, collaboration with physicians to treat conditions like anemia or sleep apnea is key.

Other approaches include:

  • Sleep Hygiene – Establishing consistent sleep schedules and environments.
  • Mindfulness-Based Therapy – Reducing stress to enhance energy.
  • Lifestyle Interventions – Balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management.

Clients might adopt a sleep routine to combat insomnia or use CBT to address anxiety-driven fatigue. We tailor treatments to restore vitality and improve daily functioning.

Living Well with Reduced Fatigue

Managing tiredness and fatigue involves adopting sustainable habits and seeking support. A 2023 Psychological Services study recommends regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress reduction to combat fatigue11. Setting realistic goals and prioritizing rest can prevent burnout.

Practical steps include pacing activities, seeking therapy for mental health issues, and building a support network.
Small victories like completing a task without exhaustion build momentum. We empower clients to live with renewed energy and purpose.

Find Support with Still Mind

Persistent tiredness and fatigue can feel draining, but recovery is possible. If you or a loved one struggles with low energy, Still Mind Behavioral Mental Health offers expert, compassionate care. Call us at (561) 783-5507. Let’s work together to restore vitality and well-being.

References

  1. Fatigue Overview – Mayo Clinic, 2024.
  2. Fatigue and Sleep – Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 2023.
  3. Fatigue and Mental Health – Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2023.
  4. Fatigue and Mental Health – National Institute of Mental Health, 2023.
  5. Fatigue and Daily Functioning – Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 2023.
  6. Fatigue and Mental Illness – National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2024.
  7. Neurological Basis of Fatigue – Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 2023.
  8. Causes of Fatigue – Psychiatric Times, 2023.
  9. Fatigue and Psychiatric Disorders – Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2024.
  10. Fatigue Assessment – American Journal of Psychiatry, 2023.
  11. Self-Care for Fatigue – Psychological Services, 2023.