Why are depressed people always so physically exhausted?

Question

Does anyone know? I have severe depression and it takes a huge amount of energy to do even the smallest things.

Answer 1

Your emotions are exhausted. Your eating pattern has probably changed and your nutritional needs are suffering. You might also have fatigue-syndrome which attacks many depressed people. Finding the right doctor that can attend to All these needs, and not just the emotional ones by masking them up with drugs, will help your energy return as your metabolism also rises to the occasion. When you move less, it slows your metabolism down and makes you more tired. Even the Little things become harder to do. Please find a good doctor that is also a Medical Doctor who can help your energy level rise along with your depression blockers. Make your needs known. You need more than just emotional help now. You need to get your strength back. And if your Doctor cannot attend to emotional And physical needs, they are not the right one for you. I would suggest a Depression Clinic with a full staff. It will save you money and time in the long run.

Answer 2

I suffered from depression for long time, and I agree it does take up a lot of your energy, because you are forever trying to surpress the feelings down that you don't want to deal with. The best thing to do is to deal with any issues you have, whether it's from your childhood or adulthood through professional counselling or some other form of therapy. Write in a journal, and try to do some exercise to top up your energy levels so you can function better. Are you on medication? If not then see your doctor ASAP! You may go through a few different medications before you find the right one for you and read about the side affects of the medication so you can be aware of any that you might get from it.

Answer 3

Coupled with severe depression is often a condition called "chronic fatigue syndrome" which must be treated separately from your antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications and counseling. Usually, your General Practitioner (regular doctor) works in conjunction with your Psychiatrist (must have one to write prescriptions) and your psychologist (counselor). If you do not work closely with all three and speak up forcefully, parts of your treatment slide and you linger in a fugue state at home wondering how in the world to get moving. As you are aware that something is wrong, you are now in a position to tell them it needs to be made right. Make sure you always have at least two of these guys on your side. I have a General Practitioner and a Psychiatrist who also does my counseling instead of having to get a Psychologist. This is actually the way that works the best is what I think. My General Practitioner is also the Psychiatrist's General Practitioner so that makes things go even smoother for me. But, get your system working and get treatment for chronic fatigue and I sure hope this helps you get better.

Answer 4

I heard that brother! I wish I could answer the question but it's too much like work! I got it too, and if I knew how to treat it, it wouldn't be a problem. Fishing wears me out and all I have to do is sit and wait for the fish to jump on the hook. I know medication for me was worse than being depressed, it makes me ill and suicidal, they didn't tell me that when my doctor prescribed it to me. The side effects were worse than the depression in my case, for you it might help, but beware once you start taking anti-depressants it is nearly impossible to stop whether they work or not! Good luck finding an answer pal. And have a wonderful day!

Answer 5

Depression takes a tremendous amount of energy. It wastes the energy you could be using for something else. You don't realize it, because the depression crept up on you gradually. But sustaining the depression takes a lot out of you.

Answer 6

the mind leads the body....get some outside help,along with a better diet that includes lots of raw food and water,excercise is a great way ease depression......even just a 1/2 hour brisk walk......give yourself hug and get outside into the sunshine

Answer 7

Your Dr. should be able to give you the technical stuff, but it comes down to...the symptoms are not just in your head, they are physical too. If I MAKE myself get up, that sometimes helps me to break my cycle of depression.

Answer 8

Lethargy is one of the symptoms of depression. It definitely takes it's toll on you mentally and physically.

Answer 9

sometimes they stay in the dark and dont get any sun and then they dont have enough vitimen D