Exploring the relationship between Depression and Feeling Tired
Key Highlights
Depression and fatigue are deeply interconnected, with many people experiencing persistent tiredness as one of the primary symptoms of depression, excessive daytime sleepiness, and sleep difficulties.
This blog will explore the symptoms, causes, and treatments available. We will examine how depression manifests in feelings of exhaustion and physical fatigue, the types of treatment available, and the crisis support systems Australians can access.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression and fatigue are closely linked, and for many, one of the most frustrating aspects of depression is the overwhelming feeling of tiredness. But this tiredness is not necessarily a result of physical exertion; it’s an emotional and mental weight that lingers throughout the day, leaving individuals feeling drained, regardless of how much rest they get.
The following are common symptoms of depression and tiredness:
Persistent fatigue: Even after a full night’s sleep, a person with depression may wake up feeling as though they’ve run a marathon.
Difficulty concentrating: When you're exhausted, focusing on tasks becomes difficult. Depression can make everyday activities, such as work or study, seem impossible to manage.
Sleep disturbances: Depression can cause either insomnia (difficulty sleeping) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping). Both contribute to a cycle of tiredness.
Physical lethargy: Depression can manifest physically as well. People often feel slow, achy, or unable to muster the energy for even simple tasks.
Lack of motivation: The combination of mental fog, fatigue, and physical lethargy leads to a loss of interest in activities that once brought joy.
Irritability and mood swings: Tiredness can exacerbate feelings of frustration, anxiety, and anger, contributing to emotional dysregulation.
If you or someone you know has been experiencing any of these symptoms for an extended period and/or these symptoms have been impacting on day-to-day functioning, it may indicate an underlying depressive disorder, and it’s important to seek professional advice.
Speaking to your GP is a good place to start, as they can discuss your symptoms and advise on appropriate support services. Our Psychologists here at ELD Psychology in Newcastle have experience in assessing and treating mental health difficulties, such as depression.
Causes of Depression
There is no singular cause of depression or the fatigue that accompanies it. The relationship between depression and tiredness can stem from a variety of psychological, biological, and environmental factors.
Chemical Imbalances: Research suggests that depression can be linked to imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline, which regulate mood and energy levels. A disruption in these chemicals can affect sleep patterns, energy, and overall mood, leading to feelings of tiredness.
Stress and Trauma: Chronic stress and traumatic experiences can take a toll on both mental and physical health, leading to prolonged states of exhaustion. When the body is in a state of constant fight-or-flight, it eventually wears down, resulting in fatigue.
Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet, lack of exercise, and inadequate sleep may also be contributors to both depression and fatigue. While depression can make it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle, the inverse may also be true—unhealthy habits, such as being fat, can worsen depressive symptoms.
Medical Conditions: Conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia, and thyroid disorders often overlap with symptoms of depression. When these conditions co-exist, they can complicate diagnosis and treatment, making it harder to discern where the fatigue is coming from.
Genetics: Research has shown that the likelihood of developing depression is partly determined by genetics. While no single "depression gene" has been identified, a combination of genetic factors and environmental triggers may contribute to the onset of depressive symptoms.
Treatment for Depression
There are a range of evidence-based treatments that have been shown to be effective in helping someone recover/manage depression and fatigue symptoms.
It’s important to note that different types of depression respond to different kinds of treatments and it’s best to speak with a health professional, such as a GP, psychiatrist and/or psychologist, who can assist with determining the appropriate treatment approach.
Different categories of treatment for depression include psychological, medication and self-help. Often, a combination of treatment types is most effective, however, everyone’s mental health journey is unique, and some may find certain types of treatment more helpful than others.
Types of Psychological Treatment
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This form of therapy is one of the most commonly used treatments for depression. It involves working with a therapist to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs, helping individuals develop healthier ways of thinking.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): MBCT combines traditional cognitive therapy with mindfulness strategies. It encourages individuals to remain present and aware, helping them break the cycle of rumination that contributes to depression and fatigue. Practicing mindfulness may help in recognising fatigue as part of the depressive cycle, rather than something insurmountable.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Depression often affects relationships and social functioning. IPT is designed to help individuals improve their relationships with others, which may reduce feelings of isolation and, in turn, alleviate some depressive symptoms.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): A type of cognitive therapy that helps people deal with intense emotions, DBT combines mindfulness with strategies to cope with distress. This therapy may help reduce emotional dysregulation, which often leads to exhaustion and fatigue.
Group Therapy: For some, connecting with others who share similar experiences can be incredibly beneficial. Group therapy allows individuals to share their feelings in a supportive environment, helping to reduce feelings of isolation and fatigue.
Medication
Medication can only be prescribed by a medical doctor, such as a GP or psychiatrist. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication. Your medical doctor should conduct a thorough consultation to assist them in determining whether medication is an appropriate treatment option for you.
It’s important to remember that medication is not a "one-size-fits-all" solution and must be tailored to each individual’s unique needs, and that not all types of depression require medication for treatment.
Crisis Support
In Australia, mental health is recognised as a critical issue, and there are various support services available for those experiencing a mental health crisis. If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out for help can be the first step in managing both depression and fatigue.
Lifeline Australia: Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Their number is 13 11 14, and they offer immediate help for anyone in distress.
Beyond Blue: Beyond Blue offers resources and support for people experiencing depression and anxiety. They have a dedicated helpline at 1300 22 4636, which is available 24/7.
Headspace: For young Australians aged 12–25, Headspace offers mental health support, including online and in-person services. They provide early intervention and resources that can help with depression, anxiety, and the associated fatigue.
Mental Health Care Plans: If you’re in Australia and feeling overwhelmed, visiting a General Practitioner (GP) is a good first step. Under the Medicare system, GPs can develop a Mental Health Care Plan that allows you to access psychological services at a reduced cost.
Hospital and Emergency Services: In cases of severe mental health crises where immediate help is required, calling emergency services (000) or visiting the nearest hospital is crucial.
Depression and fatigue often go hand in hand, creating a cycle that can feel impossible to break. Understanding the underlying causes and recognising the symptoms is the first step in finding appropriate treatment.
Whether through psychological therapies, medication, or crisis support, there are many avenues available for Australians struggling with depression and tiredness.
Early intervention and seeking help can significantly improve quality of life, leading to better mental and physical well-being.
Meet Your Clinical Psychologists In Newcastle
Dr Emma Doolan is a Clinical Psychologist based in Newcastle. With a collaborative and evidence-based approach, she helps clients overcome various challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma.
Emma is experienced in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other modalities like schema therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and compassion-focused therapy. She holds a PhD in clinical psychology and has completed her registration as a clinical psychologist from AHPRA. Emma is a member of several professional associations, including ACPA, APS, AACBT, and APN.
Paige Cornell is a clinical psychologist in Newcastle who has experience in therapeutic modalities such as Motivational Interviewing, CBT, Schema Therapy, DBT, and ACT. She focuses on building a solid therapeutic relationship and tailoring treatment to each individual. Paige has experience in private practice, NGOs, and forensic settings.
She works with a diverse range of mental health issues, including anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, relationship problems, substance abuse, and offending behaviours. Paige is particularly interested in helping LGBTQI+ individuals and those dealing with trauma and substance abuse. She is fully registered and endorsed as a clinical psychologist and a board-approved supervisor for psychologists. Paige is a member of ACPA and APS, holding a Master's in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor's in Psychological Science (Honours).
Taylah Armstrong is a Clinical Psychologist in Newcastle. She focuses on developing solid therapeutic relationships to assist individuals in enhancing their well-being and achieving their goals. Taylah is skilled in treating various concerns such as anxiety, stress, mood disorders, trauma, and eating disorders.
She utilises evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, and ACT. Taylah has worked in public healthcare, primary care, and education sectors. She is fully registered and endorsed as a clinical psychologist by AHPRA and holds a Master's and Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Newcastle.
Paige Whitfield is a clinical psychologist in Newcastle with experience in private and public health settings. She collaborates with health professionals, families, and schools to provide evidence-based treatments like CBT, Narrative Therapy, and ACT for various issues. Paige has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology (Honours) and a Master's in Clinical Psychology. She is fully registered and endorsed as a clinical psychologist and is a member of APS and ACPA.
Dr Kaitlin Fitzgerald is a clinical psychologist in Newcastle who takes a collaborative and client-centred approach to therapy. She creates a warm and relaxed environment for clients, aiming to make therapy sessions comfortable and even enjoyable. Kaitlin holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from the University of Newcastle. In addition to her private practice at ELD Psychology, she also works in public mental health treating adults with various mental health issues.
Kaitlin has experience working with a wide range of concerns, such as anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. She is skilled in evidence-based therapies like CBT, Schema Therapy, DBT, and ACT. Kaitlin is fully registered as a clinical psychologist with AHPRA and is approved to supervise provisional and registered psychologists.
Eliza Newton is a person-centred Clinical Psychologist dedicated to helping clients explore their deeper selves. She tailors her approach to each client, using psychodynamic therapy for self-exploration or structured techniques like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and Schema Therapy. Eliza focuses on individuals overcoming childhood trauma, including Complex PTSD, and helps those with ADHD develop organisational and emotional well-being strategies. With experience in private practice, inpatient settings, and psychiatric rehabilitation, she addresses challenges from anxiety and mood disorders to severe mental illness.
Eliza holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from the University of Newcastle and a Master of Clinical Psychology from Western Sydney University. She is registered as a Clinical Psychologist with AHPRA and is a member of AAPi and ACPA.
Disclaimer
The content provided on this blog is intended for Australian audiences and is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as professional psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information shared here is based on general knowledge and experience in the field of psychology, but it may not be applicable to your specific situation.
Always seek the advice of your psychologist or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a psychological condition or treatment. Never disregard professional psychological advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.
If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor, or dial 000 immediately. This blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
The opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organisations or institutions.