How to Identify Effects of Chronic Fatigue on Depression

Unfortunately, chronic fatigue and clinical depression often go hand in hand; however, it can be extremely difficult to differentiate whether depression is caused by chronic fatigue or the other way around. Regardless of which condition causes the other, it is important to recognize the effects of chronic fatigue on depression so that you might seek proper treatment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Recognize whether you were depressed before you began to notice symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. Clinical trials have shown that depression is often a genetic condition and in severe cases can lead to chronic fatigue. However, trials have also shown that patients with chronic fatigue often develop depression due to the condition, in which case depression is not likely caused by genetic factors. Recognizing when depression began can help your doctor to form your treatment and reduce the effects of chronic fatigue on your depression.
2. Realize that as the symptoms of chronic fatigue flare, depression may be worsened as well, creating a dangerous cycle. Because chronic fatigue causes pain, abnormal sleep patterns, headaches and more, it is only natural that you will suffer depression to some degree.
3. Keep track of your symptoms in a notebook, making a column for chronic fatigue and another for depression so that you might compare and identify how chronic fatigue effects your depression. Taking careful notes will not only help you to become aware and feel more empowered over your conditions and emotions, it will also help your doctor to find the right treatment for you.
4. Get help as soon as possible if you notice that the effects of your chronic fatigue on depression are spiraling out of control. Chronic fatigue often comes in ebbs and flows, meaning that it will effect depression in the same manner. While you may feel emotionally stable one day, a flare up of chronic fatigue symptoms can bring a serious bout of depression. Because it is difficult to medicate a condition with day to day fluctuations, it is important that you have a backup plan for bad days, such as a support group, a supportive friend and the number of your doctor close at hand.