Unpacking Anxiety: Fatigue
Anxiety. We know that it is those racing thoughts, the incessant worry, the overthinking, the feeling of shortness of breath. But what if anxiety was more than just that? In this series, we are taking the time to break down the various aspects of anxiety symptoms. Anxiety symptoms present differently in different people, and some anxiety symptoms may be a little less common or a bit more obscure. Today we are taking on the topic of fatigue as a symptom of anxiety.
Understanding Fatigue
So can your fatigue be a part of your anxiety experience?
The research would say yes, fatigue can indeed be a part of the anxiety experience. The research would also say that fatigue itself can have an emotional component to it. (1) This is yet another way that the mental and the physical can overlap.
So how exactly can anxiety be connected with fatigue and tiredness?
There are multiple reasons that fatigue may be a part of the anxiety experience.
Anxiety is often associated with sleep disturbance, insomnia, or poor sleep quality. Lack of sleep can obviously lead to feelings of fatigue, tiredness, and lack of energy. (2)
The physiological symptoms of anxiety and the hormones associated with those symptoms may also lead to feelings of fatigue. Anxiety is most associated with the stress response system of the body, which activates the nervous system. When the nervous system is activated more energy is being used. This increase in energy usage may be associated with increased feelings of fatigue and depletion. (3)
Thought processes use energy. One of the most common or well-known symptoms of anxiety is racing thoughts. Thought processes require energy, both mental, emotional, and physical. When we are unable to turn off those thoughts, or we are experiencing those thoughts in excess, energy is associated with that. The more energy that is spent with thought rumination, the more fatigued an individual may feel.
I get it, my anxiety may be continuing to my fatigue. So what can I do about it?
The positive part of this connection between anxiety and fatigue is that treating one can help improve the symptoms of the other. So some places to start may be:
Implement a sleep hygiene or bedtime routine.
Work on creating some strategies for anxious thoughts. (Many of the skills taught in CBT or DBT based therapy programs can be a great place to start.)
Talk to your doctor about if there may be any forms of medical-based support that could help.
Implement mindfulness skills for relaxation and thought management
And yes, seek out more formal help in the form of anxiety therapy from a trained therapist.
If you are interested in learning more about anxiety therapy or taking the next steps in your mental health journey, we would love to connect. Our team of trained therapists is ready to support you in taking on your anxiety symptoms. Anxiety does not have to keep you from enjoying the life that you want. Let one of our team members join your team as you work towards the life you want to live.
