Meet George. George is a man who wants to be both good and productive—kind of. In his own cynical and awkward way, George aspires to write a novel, be a partner to his girlfriend, and support his friends during their special moments.
However, despite these ambitions, George struggles. His battle with lifelong depression, which fluctuates in intensity, is a major obstacle to achieving his goals. Often overwhelmed by a lack of energy, George finds himself stuck on the couch or unable to leave the house. Easily distracted, he frequently leaves others to clean up the mess he leaves behind, hindering his relationships and professional aspirations. George’s depression, manifesting in fatigue and lack of inertia, is a difficult barrier.
Many people with depression experience fatigue, and excessive tiredness is often seen as an early warning sign of depression. Unlike typical tiredness, depression-related fatigue is a complete lack of energy, not just sleepiness. Depression disrupts sleep patterns, making it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or achieve restorative sleep. Everyday tasks, such as managing work or maintaining friendships, require more energy for those with depression, leaving them drained earlier in the day. This constant sense of impending exhaustion triggers worries about when energy will run out, creating a barrier to engaging in activities, even when some energy remains.
Here are tools to fight depression fatigue:
Exercise: It seems counterintuitive, but exercise boosts energy. Working out increases heart rate and releases dopamine and serotonin. Start with a 15-minute walk a few times a week, gradually increasing intensity, duration, and frequency.
Follow a Nighttime Routine: Avoid caffeine late in the day, turn off electronics 30 minutes before bed, and maintain a consistent bedtime in a quiet, dark room.
Increase Your Activities: Resting during depression fatigue can worsen isolation, increase negative thoughts, and deplete energy levels. Starting small, ideally with an accountability partner, try activities you’ve historically enjoyed to boost your energy and increase engagement.