By: Gabrielle Seunagal
Updated January 22, 2021
Understanding the relationships between anxiety and fatigue is imperative to comprehending mental and emotional health. Believe it or not, anxiety and fatigue share some very close ties; when you think about it, the relationship between these two states of being isn't that big of a stretch. Anxiety pertains to tension or unease regarding events which exist in either the past, present or future. Fatigue is a depleted emotional and mental state which occurs when someone is beyond tired or exhausted.
Uncover The Sneaky Ways Anxiety Could Be Controlling Your Life
Online Counseling Can Help. Get Started Today! Source: rawpixel.com
Anxiety and fatigue definitely share a unique relationship. However, in order to comprehend this relationship, it's first important to review anxiety and fatigue as individual states of being and furthermore understand what they are truly all about. Only from this point can the relationship between anxiety and fatigue be truly dissected and explored.
Briefly Reviewing Anxiety
In and of itself, anxiety is a fairly normal emotion. When a person feels anxious, he may experience tension, heightened senses, and general apprehension. This is fine in certain cases and, as a matter of fact, it's typical to feel anxiety in situations which are foreign or otherwise different to us as human beings. Many individuals feel anxious right before attending a job interview, speaking in front of an audience, or trying something new for the first time.
Problems with anxiety arise when the emotion begins to override a person's ability to succeed and function in their day to day life. Debilitating anxiety can impact a person's family, career, reputation, relationships and so much more. Ideally, anxiety should be managed and properly addressed before it reaches this level. There are a variety of factors and circumstances which can generate or worsen anxiety. Each individual has their own triggers that exacerbate anxiety in their lives.
Briefly Reviewing Fatigue
Put simply, fatigue occurs when an individual is extremely tired; in this particular case, the tiredness can exist on a physical, emotional, or mental level. It's not uncommon for fatigue to exist on more than one or each of the combined, aforementioned levels. It goes without saying that by the time someone has arrived at the place of being fatigued, they're in some very real trouble.
An individual who suffers from fatigue is going to take hits to their emotional, physical and mental wellbeing. These hits can manifest in the form of emotional indifference, forgetting previously made obligations, lacking motivation, struggling to concentrate on matters of importance and so much more. Thankfully, there are various treatments which individuals can undergo in order to determine the root cause of their fatigue and then take the necessary steps towards addressing this mental health issue.
An Overview Of The Relationship Between Anxiety And Fatigue
When you get down to it, the relationship between anxiety and fatigue is inherently dark. It represents a vicious cycle that so many people have become familiar with and accustomed to. It's important to realize that fatigue generally comes along once anxiety has been present and has begun to serve as a debilitating force in a person's life. By the time someone becomes fatigued, he has reached complete and utter exhaustion, a state that negatively impact him in all areas of his life.
Source: rawpixel.com
The Common Theme
When dealing with anxiety and fatigue, the common theme is the existence of an unresolved problem in someone's life. Fatigue often occurs after longtime exposure to pretty serious levels of anxiety. Nobody becomes fatigued overnight. As a matter of fact, fatigue happens when someone is very close to their breaking point. This state is not uncommon during the more serious levels of anxiety. In order to get to the bottom of anxiety and fatigue, the afflicted individual must first confront the problem that he is dealing with and then take action towards fixing it. This may be a difficult process, but without making the right decisions, anxiety and fatigue will only worsen.
The Vicious Cycle
Extreme anxiety breeds fatigue which in turns leads to more anxiety - and the vicious cycle goes round and round. Believe it or not, anxiety can very easily wear on people. It is incredibly draining to habitually feel on edge, have trouble focusing, and to feel crushing worry about various things in life. When this is allowed to go on or when anxiety is simply swept under the rug, it festers, worsens, and before you know it, fatigue arrives and only makes matters worse. In a nutshell, anxiety drains individuals' mental, physical and emotional energy, thus leaving nothing left other than fatigue and utter exhaustion.
Dependence
In many regards, fatigue is dependent upon the existence of ongoing anxiety. There are many forms of anxiety. When someone experiences mild anxiety, it's usually over a fairly minor event and this feeling generally subsides. There isn't enough time for the adverse, worst impacts of anxiety to eat away at someone. Fatigue comes as a natural after effect of simply being unable to cope with the strain of constant anxiety.
Unresolved Past Trauma
It is not uncommon to see anxiety and fatigue manifest in situations where there is unresolved trauma from a person's past. So many individuals would be amazed to learn just how frequently very serious issues are swept under the rug, never properly addressed, and ignored as if they don't exist. Many people do this with the best of intentions, as they believe that they're being strong and moving forward with their lives. However, what's really happening is that the root of the problem is lying dormant and creating a breeding ground for anxiety and subsequent fatigue.
Dealing with our issues, regardless of how troubling or uncomfortable they may be, is so very crucial. The initial discomfort of handling certain things now will always trump the discomfort of anxiety, fatigue, and other consequences which come as a result of allowing problems to remain unchecked. You owe it to yourself to make sure that you are in the best state of mind; this means being healthy and setting yourself up to do well, even if this means taking some time to reflect and deal with things which you would rather ignore.
How To Cope
If you're dealing with anxiety and fatigue and wondering how to cope, you are not alone. This is a struggle that countless people face and your willingness to address this head on is an amazing first step. There are a series of steps which you can take as you work to battle anxiety and fatigue. Some methods may work better for some people than others, but there is guidance and wisdom that anyone can gain and make the most of.
Uncover The Sneaky Ways Anxiety Could Be Controlling Your Life
Online Counseling Can Help. Get Started Today! Source: pixabay.com
Regain Your Energy
At its core, the combination of anxiety and fatigue relies upon an ongoing lack of energy. By regaining your energy and strength, you can fight anxiety and fatigue and become a stronger version of yourself. In order to do this, you're going to first require a healthy lifestyle. This means eating a nutritious diet, getting the proper amount of rest, and abstaining from things which aren't good for you, such as alcohol and caffeine.
Regaining your energy won't happen overnight. There will be inevitable challenges and maybe even occasional setbacks. However, if you keep pushing and remain determined to live a better quality of life, you will eventually get there. Having the right support system in your corner to help you on this journey can make a difference also. This is not to say that you cannot regain your energy without the help of others, but it's been proven that most people have an easier time when they have a reliable network of people to rely upon.
Consider Seeing a Professional
Even with improving your lifestyle and surrounding yourself with the right people, coming back from extreme anxiety and fatigue is a challenge. An amazing network of supportive friends and family can definitely make a difference, as can a professional counselor or therapist. Now, even to this day, there are still many people who have concerns or reservations about meeting with a mental health specialist and that's OK. There are a variety of reasons behind these issues.
Sometimes people worry about being judged or looked down upon by their therapist. In other circumstances, an individual may feel nervous about opening up to a stranger or sharing intimate details about themselves with a counselor. Feeling nervous is okay and it's okay to have questions, but it's also important to remember the purpose of counseling and therapy.
When it comes down to it, counselors and therapists are there to help you. There is no shame, no judgment, and nothing that you should feel you have to hold back. In order for a professional to properly do their job and provide the best possible service, they're going to require complete transparency. This means being open and honest, even when it comes down to matters which are not the easiest or most comfortable to discuss.
Source: rawpixel.com
Here at BetterHelp, we are proud to employ world-class counselors and therapists. No matter who you are or what you're dealing with, our specialists would be thrilled to get to know you and provide the guidance and care which would be best for you. We understand that life can be full of challenges, but nobody should have to go through these things alone.
Whether you are dealing with anxiety, fatigue, or another matter altogether, know that help will always be available to those who are open and receptive to it.
You can contact BetterHelp anytime simply by clicking here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is fatigue a symptom of anxiety?
Being tired is a natural biological feeling that occurs in our daily life. However, if you are someone who suffers from a mental health illness such as anxiety disorder, you may tend to feel more exhausted than usual, as fatigue is a common symptom that many people feel. T
People with anxiety often experience other symptoms that can contribute to fatigue. There are many reasons that fatigue is known as one of the most common anxiety symptoms, including:
- Falling asleep is difficult because your thoughts are racing or other sleep problems such as oversleeping or not being able to stay asleep
- Post-anxiety or panic attacks can make you feel exhausted after as your body returns to its natural state after it is in fight or flight mode
- Fatigue is, in part, due to muscle tension
- Mental tiredness that can lead to difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue can be a way for people with anxiety to cope –instead of having panic attacks, their body shuts down, and they fall asleep to reduce anxiety
- You may have another mental health disorder such as depression
People with anxiety should try and be aware of their sleep habits and how they respond to their anxiety symptoms/treatment. Even if you don't have an anxiety disorder, if you're dealing with negative symptoms associated with your sleep, it's a good idea to be medically reviewed by a professional. Many conditions can cause fatigue.
Can anxiety make you tired all the time?
Anxiety and fatigue are known to coincide with one another. In fact, fatigue is one of the most commonly experienced symptoms of anxiety.
People with anxiety or people with an anxiety disorder/mental health condition often experience extreme distress and worry throughout their day, which can cause them to have difficulties sleeping. They may notice other symptoms, too, like experience drowsiness during the day that causes difficulty concentrating.
On the other hand, if you are experiencing sleep deprivation, this too may cause you to feel anxious. If you are experiencing anxiety and fatigue all the time, here are some ways to help you feel more energized throughout the day:
- Exercising daily
- Take a short nap no longer than 20 to 30 minutes
- Implement a strict bedtime routine and stay off your phone at least 30 minutes before bed. Try reading a book instead
- Reduce your alcohol and caffeine intake
How do I overcome anxiety and fatigue?
People with anxiety and people with mental health disorders in general often deal with debilitating symptoms, including anxiety and fatigue.
This can cause severe disruption to their everyday life. Therefore, if you are suffering from an anxiety disorder and fatigue, here are some ways that you can overcome these symptoms:
- Exercise daily
- Reduce your caffeine intake
- Seek medical advice diagnosis from your doctor
- Stay as hydrated as possible
- Manage your stress with healthy coping mechanisms
- Take as many breaks as you need throughout the day
- Seek treatment for your anxiety disorder; it's important to note that there isn't just one type of anxiety disorder, and there are several conditions you might be dealing with aside from generalized anxiety disorder. This is partially why it's always a good idea to be medically reviewed if you suspect you're dealing with a mental illness.
Does stress cause extreme fatigue?
When a person is severely stressed in their everyday life, this can lead to what is known as emotional exhaustion or the feeling of being emotionally worn out.
This can cause people to experience a lack of energy, difficulty sleeping, and decreased motivation. Over time, if not properly taken care of, chronic stress can lead to the development of mental illnesses, including generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and panic disorder. Typical symptoms of extreme fatigue or emotional exhaustion include:
- Lack of motivation
- Difficulty sleeping
- Irritability
- Feeling hopeless
- Headaches
- Changes to appetite
- Nervousness
- Irrational anger and outburst
- Sense of dread
- Physical tiredness
If you experience any of the symptoms above, it's a good idea to be medically reviewed by a healthcare professional. Once medically reviewed, you can receive a diagnosis if applicable and begin a treatment plan.
What are the 3 types of fatigue?
The three types of fatigue are transient fatigue, cumulative fatigue, and circadian fatigue.
- Transient fatigue is an acute fatigue that occurs when you stay awake for too long and do not sleep enough
- Cumulative fatigue occurs when you have mild sleep restrictions or extend your awake hours over a couple of days
- Circadian fatigue is reduced performance at night or sleep during the hours of 2 am to 6 am
What are 5 emotional signs of stress?
5 emotional signs of stress include:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorder symptoms, including generalized anxiety disorder
- Irritability
- Low sex drive
- Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
- Mood swings
- Compulsive behavior
Stress is a normal part of life, but an anxiety disorder is not. If you're dealing with the signs of an anxiety disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder, being medically reviewed by a mental health professional is always the way to go.
How do I get rid of stress in my life?
If you are dealing with stress in your life, here are some ways to help cope with the mental health toll that it can cause you:
- Exercise daily
- Try taking supplements for symptoms of anxiety and stress
- Aromatherapy such as lavender oil, sandalwood, bergamot, chamomile, eucalyptus
- Reduce your caffeine intake
- Journal your thoughts and feelings
- Spend time in nature
- Reach out to your family and friends for advice they may be able to provide you with additional information on how to manage your stress better
- Seek medical advice diagnosis from a medical professional and for informational purposes
- Try taking a yoga class
- Try mediation and mindfulness practices
- Deep breathing and other relaxation techniques
Dealing with stress is a normal part of life, but you should always be medically reviewed if you're struggling with mental illness symptoms. Sometimes, only after being medically reviewed can you cross off the possibility of dealing with a mental health condition.
How can I tell if I'm having a nervous breakdown?
A nervous breakdown, or mental health breakdown, is typically used to describe a period of severe distress in an individual's life that they cannot function normally in their day-to-day life.
People who are suffering a nervous breakdown can also be described as having a mental health disorder, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorder including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, phobias, separation anxiety, or agoraphobia
- Chronic stress disorder
Symptoms
Symptoms that people may be experiencing when they are suffering a mental health breakdown can include:
- Anxiety and fatigue
- Depressive symptoms such as hopelessness, dread, or a lack of motivation to do even things that used to make you happy
- Insomnia
- Hallucinations
- Panic attacks
- Dizziness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Flashbacks to a traumatic event
- Paranoia
The results of these symptoms can be devastating for an individual's mental health or social life and might include:
- Avoiding social functions
- Not eating enough or overeating
- Not sleeping at all or oversleeping
- Calling in sick or not showing up for work or school
- Isolating themselves away from others
Causes of a Mental Health Breakdown or Nervous Breakdown
People who suffer from mental health breakdowns or nervous breakdowns often report that intense stress led to their downfall. This chronic stress could have occurred because of the following:
- Work stress that is persistent
- Traumatic events such as the death of a family member or close friend
- Financial stress
- Life changes such as moving schools or a divorce
- Chronic medical conditions
Risk Factors of a Nervous Breakdown or Mental Health Breakdown
Risk factors that can lead to a mental health breakdown can include:
- You already suffer from an anxiety disorder such as social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, separation anxiety, phobias or agoraphobia
- You have a family history of anxiety disorder
- You recently suffered from a severe injury or were diagnosed with a chronic illness
If you are suffering a nervous breakdown, here are some ways that can help you manage your symptoms:
- Go to a doctor so they can provide medical advice and additional information regarding coping mechanisms
- Enroll in talk therapy such as cognitive behavioral disorder
- Practice yoga, massage therapy, mediation, aromatherapy
Can anxiety cause body aches?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are six types of anxiety disorder:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Phobias
- Agoraphobia
- Social anxiety
- Separation anxiety
And while most of the time, we are taught to believe that all anxiety is simply excessive worrying, there are many serious physical symptoms of anxiety and other mental health disorders.
A common symptom of generalized anxiety disorder includes body aches or muscle tension. While symptoms of anxiety can manifest differently from people, physical symptoms are often not spoken about.
If you suffer from generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, phobia, agoraphobia, or separation anxiety and are experiencing physical symptoms of anxiety, the best thing for you to do may be to go to a doctor so they can provide medical advice and additional information on how you can cope with your physical symptoms.
The importance of being medically reviewed can't be understated. Once medically reviewed, you can be sure that no other underlying health problems are contributing to your physical symptoms, which is a blessing for many people with generalized anxiety disorder.
What does anxiety physically feel like?
People suffering from anxiety disorder may feel the following physical symptoms:
- Panic attacks
- Difficulty concentrating
- Chest pain
- Lightheadedness or. Dizziness
- Trembling
- Stomach pain
- Digestive problems
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Weakness or fatigue
- Sweating
- Muscle tension
How can you reduce physical symptoms of anxiety?
Although anxiety disorders are commonly defined by excessive worrying, there are many physical symptoms that people experience that can cause them even more distress.
If you are suffering from an anxiety disorder and are experiencing physical symptoms, the best thing for you to do is seek medical advice diagnosis, or treatment that can help you manage your symptoms. If you have received medical advice diagnosis or treatment, you will most like be prescribed:
- Aromatherapy
- Relaxation techniques such as muscle tension relaxation
- Exercise daily
- Avoid alcohol or caffeine
- Make sure you are sleeping enough
What does anxiety pain feel like?
Besides excessive worrying, people with an anxiety disorder often experience physical symptoms, including:
- Muscle tension
- Difficulty concentrating
- Panic attacks
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Rapid heartbeat
- Headache
- Weakness
- Insomnia
- Rapid breathing
- Trembling
Can anxiety make you feel weird?
Yes, it is common for people with an anxiety disorder to feel weird. Despite feeling anxious with excessive worrying and fear, people who suffer from an anxiety disorder can also suffer various symptoms of anxiety, including:
- Muscle tension
- Excessive sweating
- Difficulty concentrating
- Stomach pain
- Shortness of breath
- Trembling
- Rapid heart rate
- Weakness
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Panic attacks
- Foggy minded
Does anxiety go away if you ignore it?
Unfortunately, people with anxiety are not simply able to forget about their excessive worrying and other symptoms. Therefore, the best thing you can do is learn to manage your anxiety symptoms so that you can continue with your everyday life. Here are some ways that you can manage your anxiety disorder:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy CBT
- Meditation, mindfulness, and journaling when you are feeling anxious
- Aromatherapy
- Daily exercise to reduce anxiety
- Eating a healthy diet
Is it my heart or anxiety?
A common symptom of panic attacks, which are often caused by panic disorder, is a racing heartbeat.
However, you could also have other medical conditions; for instance, a common cardiovascular condition called atrial fibrillation might also cause a heart rate difference. Common symptoms of arterial fibrillation include:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart palpitations
- Excessive sweating
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
As you can see, these symptoms are very similar to panic attacks and what many people experience as anxiety symptoms. And while these symptoms could be liked to anxiety, the best thing for you to do is to seek medical advice to determine if it is anything more that is causing these symptoms.
