Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThe LinkAntidepressant EffectsManagementHow Long It LastsWhen to See a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
The Link
Antidepressant Effects
Management
How Long It Lasts
When to See a Provider
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of depression, affecting up to 90% of people with depression.It is feeling tired or having a lack of energy or motivation.
Researchers do not have a simple answer to why depression and fatigue coexist. They suspect brain chemistry might be to blame or that fatigue may be a result of other symptoms of the condition, such as sleep problems, diet, activity levels, or even medications used to treat the condition.
Alexandre Morin-Laprise / Getty Images
Depression and Fatigue: What’s the Link?
Depressionis a common mood disorder that can affect people of any age, sex, race, or ethnicity.It causes feelings of sadness, anger, and hopelessness. These symptoms can interfere with a person’s everyday activities.
“Fatigue"is a term for feeling tired or lacking energy.It is not the same as feeling sleepy. When you are fatigued, you lack motivation and energy.
Depression is believed to affectneurotransmitters, the chemical messengers that assist with communication between nerve cells. It typically affects the neurotransmitters linked to reward and regulation of alertness.
For example, low levels of the neurotransmitterdopaminecan lead to depression, sleep troubles,brain fog, lack of motivation, and feelings of hopelessness. Serotonin also plays a role in mood and sleep.
The relationship between depression and fatigue is complicated. This is because depression:
Depression fatigue can affect both adults and adolescents. Research shows depression fatigue is a commonly neglected symptom of depression.Even so, this symptom is associated with adverse effects on life quality and can interfere with treatment. Fatigue in depression is also poorly understood and can have far-reaching effects.
A study published in 2024 explored the effects of depression and fatigue on adolescents in clinical and community settings.It noted that many youths found themselves trapped in a cycle of fatigue and depression that had both physical and mental components and affected school attendance, impaired their social development, and led to a reduction in leisure activities.
Researchers found that fatigue contributed to reduced engagement in everyday activities. Stigma and the fear that fatigue was not a significant symptom were barriers to seeking medical help. The study’s findings concluded that fatigue needs to be identified and treated with the same importance as other symptoms of depression.
Take PrecautionsFor some people, daytime fatigue associated with depression, antidepressants, or other causes can be dangerous. Therefore, it is vital to take precautions.For example, do not drive if you are experiencing high levels of fatigue. You will want to avoid alcohol with any medications that have sedating effects because the combination can have detrimental results and worsen fatigue.
Take Precautions
For some people, daytime fatigue associated with depression, antidepressants, or other causes can be dangerous. Therefore, it is vital to take precautions.For example, do not drive if you are experiencing high levels of fatigue. You will want to avoid alcohol with any medications that have sedating effects because the combination can have detrimental results and worsen fatigue.
For some people, daytime fatigue associated with depression, antidepressants, or other causes can be dangerous. Therefore, it is vital to take precautions.
For example, do not drive if you are experiencing high levels of fatigue. You will want to avoid alcohol with any medications that have sedating effects because the combination can have detrimental results and worsen fatigue.
Effect of Antidepressants on Fatigue
Antidepressantscan be an essential part of your depression treatment plan, but they come with side effects, including fatigue.Fortunately, for most people, the side effects of their depression medications lessen as the body gets used to the drug. However, it is essential to recognize when treatments are causing you to feel sleepy and tired.
For example,selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRI) like Prozac (fluoxetine) andZoloft(sertraline) andserotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors(SNRI) like Cymbalta (duloxetine) can lead to high levels of fatigue.
Other antidepressants have a high potency for suppressingrapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which makes them more helpful for managing daytime fatigue. However, they can affect your ability to get a good night’s sleep.
What Is REM Sleep?Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is the stage of sleep associated with memory consolidation and dreaming.
What Is REM Sleep?
Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is the stage of sleep associated with memory consolidation and dreaming.
These medications also affect other neurotransmitters, including histamine and histamine receptors.This effect leads to various side effects, including fatigue and sedation.
Treatments to Manage Depression Fatigue
Depression itself is the leading cause of depression fatigue, so it is essential to focus on how you can manage yourmental health. As depression lessens, fatigue will also lessen.
There are ways to manage your depression fatigue, which can help you feel better over time.
Exercise
Exercise might be the last thing you want to do when your mood is down, but being active can help boost your energy and reduce fatigue. Research shows that low- to moderate-intensity exercise can improve feelings of fatigue, energy, and vitality.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly.This can be broken down into 30 minutes daily, five days a week, or 20 minutes a day, which may be easier when you have low energy levels.
If you have trouble getting started, start small and slowly build up your routine. Even short 15- to 20-minute walks can help improve energy and lessen fatigue.
Getting Quality Sleep
Practicing goodsleep hygienecan help you to manage depression fatigue. Sleep hygiene includes daily routines and changes to your bedroom environment to allow for consistent, uninterrupted sleep.
Some helpful habits include:
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating the right foods can increase energy levels and reduce fatigue. However, eating the wrong foods can make depression symptoms and fatigue worse.
To manage fatigue and depression, you should avoid processed foods and foods with added fats and sugars.Instead, eat foods that can help to manage depressive symptoms and increase energy.
Foods that can help improve mood and energy levels include:
Depression Coping Skills: Steps to Managing Symptoms
Managing Stress
Stress can significantly affect people with depression, and it can cause them to constantly feel drained and unmotivated.Depression can also make things seem more complicated than they really are, which further adds to stress levels.
Stress management can help you to better cope with depression. Ways to manage stress include:
You may also consider ways to reduce your exposure to stress. Some ways include:
Talking to a therapist or other mental health professional can be another helpful way to manage your stress and depression. A mental health provider can help you to identify situations and behaviors that lead to stress and work with you on a plan to change stressors, your environment, and your responses.
What Are the Different Types and Benefits of Therapy?
How Long Fatigue Lasts in Depressive Episodes
Depression fatigue occurs for various reasons. Depending on its cause and how and when that cause is addressed, depression fatigue can last weeks, months, or years.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to lessen and improve depression fatigue. Eating a healthy diet, changing medications, prioritizing yourself-care, and getting plenty of sleep are all ways to manage and improve depression fatigue.
When to Discuss Depression Fatigue With a Provider
The best way to deal with depression and fatigue is to speak with a healthcare provider. They could help you to determine whether your depression is the cause of fatigue and work toward a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
You should consult a healthcare provider if fatigue is affecting you on a daily basis or if that fatigue does not subside or gets worse after a few weeks. You should also reach out if your depression seems to be worsening, not improving, or if you havesuicidal thoughts.
Suicide Prevention HotlineIf you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineat 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
Suicide Prevention Hotline
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineat 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
A healthcare provider can also determine if the antidepressant you take or another medical condition you may have is causing your fatigue. If medication is the cause of your fatigue, switching to another treatment may help improve fatigue levels. If another medical condition is causing fatigue, treating the condition will manage the fatigue.
Helping Your Child Manage and Cope With Depression FatigueYour child may not speak up about their depression and how symptoms of depression, including fatigue, affect them. It is, therefore, essential to pay attention to how they are managing and when they are struggling. Are they showing a lack of interest in activities, or are they spending extended periods in bed?Work with your child to make lifestyle modifications to improve depressive symptoms, including fatigue. This may include:Developing a sleep scheduleEating a healthy dietGetting regular exerciseHelping them to learn to manage stressors and schedules, including homework and after-school activities.You will also need to take an active role in your child’s depression treatment plan. That includes recognizing that your child may need to try several strategies before finding one that is suitable. If a medication or treatment for depression or fatigue does not help, work with your child and their healthcare provider or a mental health professional to find alternative options.
Helping Your Child Manage and Cope With Depression Fatigue
Your child may not speak up about their depression and how symptoms of depression, including fatigue, affect them. It is, therefore, essential to pay attention to how they are managing and when they are struggling. Are they showing a lack of interest in activities, or are they spending extended periods in bed?Work with your child to make lifestyle modifications to improve depressive symptoms, including fatigue. This may include:Developing a sleep scheduleEating a healthy dietGetting regular exerciseHelping them to learn to manage stressors and schedules, including homework and after-school activities.You will also need to take an active role in your child’s depression treatment plan. That includes recognizing that your child may need to try several strategies before finding one that is suitable. If a medication or treatment for depression or fatigue does not help, work with your child and their healthcare provider or a mental health professional to find alternative options.
Your child may not speak up about their depression and how symptoms of depression, including fatigue, affect them. It is, therefore, essential to pay attention to how they are managing and when they are struggling. Are they showing a lack of interest in activities, or are they spending extended periods in bed?
Work with your child to make lifestyle modifications to improve depressive symptoms, including fatigue. This may include:
You will also need to take an active role in your child’s depression treatment plan. That includes recognizing that your child may need to try several strategies before finding one that is suitable. If a medication or treatment for depression or fatigue does not help, work with your child and their healthcare provider or a mental health professional to find alternative options.
Summary
Depression fatigue is more than just being tired. People who experience depression fatigue will feel like they have very little energy and motivation. Causes include the depression itself and factors related to the depression, including sleep problems, stress, and antidepressants.
Depression fatigue can make daily functioning harder. Exercise, addressing sleep troubles, eating a healthy diet, and managing stress can all help increase energy and reduce fatigue.
If you or your child is struggling with depression fatigue, contact a healthcare provider. You should also reach out if you or your child feel depression symptoms have gotten worse, are not improving, or have suicidal thoughts.
They can check your medications to see if they may be causing fatigue or if another condition is to blame. They can also provide advice and additional treatments to manage depressive symptoms and fatigue better.
18 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ghanean H, Ceniti AK, Kennedy SH.Fatigue in patients with major depressive disorder: prevalence, burden and pharmacological approaches to management.CNS Drugs. 2018;32(1):65-74. doi:10.1007/s40263-018-0490-zNational Institute of Mental Health.Depression.Medline Plus.Fatigue.Delva NC, Stanwood GD.Dysregulation of brain dopamine systems in major depressive disorder.Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2021;246(9):1084-1093. doi:10.1177/1535370221991830Higson-Sweeney N, Cooper K, Dunn BD, Loades ME.“I’m always going to be tired:” a qualitative exploration of adolescents' experiences of fatigue in depression.Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2024;33(5):1369-1381. doi:10.1007/s00787-023-02243-3Sung DJ, Lee M, Park JK, Park HJ.Combination of antidepressant and alcohol intake as a potential risk factor for rhabdomyolysis.Iran J Public Health. 2018;47(9):1424-1425Ramic E, Prasko S, Gavran L, Spahic E.Assessment of the antidepressant side effects occurrence in patients treated in primary care.Mater Sociomed. 2020;32(2):131-134. doi:10.5455/msm.2020.32.131-134Sleep Foundation.REM Sleep: What it is and why it’s important.Rădulescu I, Drăgoi AM, Trifu SC, Cristea MB.Neuroplasticity and depression: Rewiring the brain’s networks through pharmacological therapy (Review).Exp Ther Med. 2021;22(4):1131. doi:10.3892/etm.2021.10565Qian H, Shu C, Xiao L, Wang G.Histamine and histamine receptors: roles in major depressive disorder.Front Psychiatry. 2022;13:825591. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2022.825591Wender CLA, Manninen M, O’Connor PJ.The effect of chronic exercise on energy and fatigue states: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.Front Psychol. 2022;13:907637. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.907637Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Adult activity: An overview.Sleep Foundation.Mastering sleep hygiene: your path to quality sleep.Firth J, Marx W, Dash S, et al.The effects of dietary improvement on symptoms of depression and anxiety: a meta-analysis ofrandomized controlled trials.Psychosom Med. 2019;81(3):265-280. doi:10.1097/PSY.0000000000000673Li Y, Lv MR, Wei YJ, Sun L, Zhang JX, Zhang HG, Li B.Dietary patterns and depression risk: a meta-analysis.Psychiatry Res. 2017;253:373-382. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2017.04.020Yang L, Zhao Y, Wang Y, et al.The effects of psychological stress on depression.Curr Neuropharmacol. 2015;13(4):494-504. doi:10.2174/1570159x1304150831150507American Psychological Association.Healthy ways to handle life’s stressors.Satici SA, Gocet Tekin E, Deniz ME, Satici B.Doomscrolling scale: its association with personality traits, psychological distress, social media use, and wellbeing.Appl Res Qual Life. 2023;18(2):833-847. doi:10.1007/s11482-022-10110-7
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ghanean H, Ceniti AK, Kennedy SH.Fatigue in patients with major depressive disorder: prevalence, burden and pharmacological approaches to management.CNS Drugs. 2018;32(1):65-74. doi:10.1007/s40263-018-0490-zNational Institute of Mental Health.Depression.Medline Plus.Fatigue.Delva NC, Stanwood GD.Dysregulation of brain dopamine systems in major depressive disorder.Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2021;246(9):1084-1093. doi:10.1177/1535370221991830Higson-Sweeney N, Cooper K, Dunn BD, Loades ME.“I’m always going to be tired:” a qualitative exploration of adolescents' experiences of fatigue in depression.Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2024;33(5):1369-1381. doi:10.1007/s00787-023-02243-3Sung DJ, Lee M, Park JK, Park HJ.Combination of antidepressant and alcohol intake as a potential risk factor for rhabdomyolysis.Iran J Public Health. 2018;47(9):1424-1425Ramic E, Prasko S, Gavran L, Spahic E.Assessment of the antidepressant side effects occurrence in patients treated in primary care.Mater Sociomed. 2020;32(2):131-134. doi:10.5455/msm.2020.32.131-134Sleep Foundation.REM Sleep: What it is and why it’s important.Rădulescu I, Drăgoi AM, Trifu SC, Cristea MB.Neuroplasticity and depression: Rewiring the brain’s networks through pharmacological therapy (Review).Exp Ther Med. 2021;22(4):1131. doi:10.3892/etm.2021.10565Qian H, Shu C, Xiao L, Wang G.Histamine and histamine receptors: roles in major depressive disorder.Front Psychiatry. 2022;13:825591. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2022.825591Wender CLA, Manninen M, O’Connor PJ.The effect of chronic exercise on energy and fatigue states: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.Front Psychol. 2022;13:907637. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.907637Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Adult activity: An overview.Sleep Foundation.Mastering sleep hygiene: your path to quality sleep.Firth J, Marx W, Dash S, et al.The effects of dietary improvement on symptoms of depression and anxiety: a meta-analysis ofrandomized controlled trials.Psychosom Med. 2019;81(3):265-280. doi:10.1097/PSY.0000000000000673Li Y, Lv MR, Wei YJ, Sun L, Zhang JX, Zhang HG, Li B.Dietary patterns and depression risk: a meta-analysis.Psychiatry Res. 2017;253:373-382. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2017.04.020Yang L, Zhao Y, Wang Y, et al.The effects of psychological stress on depression.Curr Neuropharmacol. 2015;13(4):494-504. doi:10.2174/1570159x1304150831150507American Psychological Association.Healthy ways to handle life’s stressors.Satici SA, Gocet Tekin E, Deniz ME, Satici B.Doomscrolling scale: its association with personality traits, psychological distress, social media use, and wellbeing.Appl Res Qual Life. 2023;18(2):833-847. doi:10.1007/s11482-022-10110-7
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Ghanean H, Ceniti AK, Kennedy SH.Fatigue in patients with major depressive disorder: prevalence, burden and pharmacological approaches to management.CNS Drugs. 2018;32(1):65-74. doi:10.1007/s40263-018-0490-zNational Institute of Mental Health.Depression.Medline Plus.Fatigue.Delva NC, Stanwood GD.Dysregulation of brain dopamine systems in major depressive disorder.Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2021;246(9):1084-1093. doi:10.1177/1535370221991830Higson-Sweeney N, Cooper K, Dunn BD, Loades ME.“I’m always going to be tired:” a qualitative exploration of adolescents' experiences of fatigue in depression.Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2024;33(5):1369-1381. doi:10.1007/s00787-023-02243-3Sung DJ, Lee M, Park JK, Park HJ.Combination of antidepressant and alcohol intake as a potential risk factor for rhabdomyolysis.Iran J Public Health. 2018;47(9):1424-1425Ramic E, Prasko S, Gavran L, Spahic E.Assessment of the antidepressant side effects occurrence in patients treated in primary care.Mater Sociomed. 2020;32(2):131-134. doi:10.5455/msm.2020.32.131-134Sleep Foundation.REM Sleep: What it is and why it’s important.Rădulescu I, Drăgoi AM, Trifu SC, Cristea MB.Neuroplasticity and depression: Rewiring the brain’s networks through pharmacological therapy (Review).Exp Ther Med. 2021;22(4):1131. doi:10.3892/etm.2021.10565Qian H, Shu C, Xiao L, Wang G.Histamine and histamine receptors: roles in major depressive disorder.Front Psychiatry. 2022;13:825591. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2022.825591Wender CLA, Manninen M, O’Connor PJ.The effect of chronic exercise on energy and fatigue states: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.Front Psychol. 2022;13:907637. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.907637Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Adult activity: An overview.Sleep Foundation.Mastering sleep hygiene: your path to quality sleep.Firth J, Marx W, Dash S, et al.The effects of dietary improvement on symptoms of depression and anxiety: a meta-analysis ofrandomized controlled trials.Psychosom Med. 2019;81(3):265-280. doi:10.1097/PSY.0000000000000673Li Y, Lv MR, Wei YJ, Sun L, Zhang JX, Zhang HG, Li B.Dietary patterns and depression risk: a meta-analysis.Psychiatry Res. 2017;253:373-382. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2017.04.020Yang L, Zhao Y, Wang Y, et al.The effects of psychological stress on depression.Curr Neuropharmacol. 2015;13(4):494-504. doi:10.2174/1570159x1304150831150507American Psychological Association.Healthy ways to handle life’s stressors.Satici SA, Gocet Tekin E, Deniz ME, Satici B.Doomscrolling scale: its association with personality traits, psychological distress, social media use, and wellbeing.Appl Res Qual Life. 2023;18(2):833-847. doi:10.1007/s11482-022-10110-7
Ghanean H, Ceniti AK, Kennedy SH.Fatigue in patients with major depressive disorder: prevalence, burden and pharmacological approaches to management.CNS Drugs. 2018;32(1):65-74. doi:10.1007/s40263-018-0490-z
National Institute of Mental Health.Depression.
Medline Plus.Fatigue.
Delva NC, Stanwood GD.Dysregulation of brain dopamine systems in major depressive disorder.Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2021;246(9):1084-1093. doi:10.1177/1535370221991830
Higson-Sweeney N, Cooper K, Dunn BD, Loades ME.“I’m always going to be tired:” a qualitative exploration of adolescents' experiences of fatigue in depression.Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2024;33(5):1369-1381. doi:10.1007/s00787-023-02243-3
Sung DJ, Lee M, Park JK, Park HJ.Combination of antidepressant and alcohol intake as a potential risk factor for rhabdomyolysis.Iran J Public Health. 2018;47(9):1424-1425
Ramic E, Prasko S, Gavran L, Spahic E.Assessment of the antidepressant side effects occurrence in patients treated in primary care.Mater Sociomed. 2020;32(2):131-134. doi:10.5455/msm.2020.32.131-134
Sleep Foundation.REM Sleep: What it is and why it’s important.
Rădulescu I, Drăgoi AM, Trifu SC, Cristea MB.Neuroplasticity and depression: Rewiring the brain’s networks through pharmacological therapy (Review).Exp Ther Med. 2021;22(4):1131. doi:10.3892/etm.2021.10565
Qian H, Shu C, Xiao L, Wang G.Histamine and histamine receptors: roles in major depressive disorder.Front Psychiatry. 2022;13:825591. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2022.825591
Wender CLA, Manninen M, O’Connor PJ.The effect of chronic exercise on energy and fatigue states: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.Front Psychol. 2022;13:907637. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.907637
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Adult activity: An overview.
Sleep Foundation.Mastering sleep hygiene: your path to quality sleep.
Firth J, Marx W, Dash S, et al.The effects of dietary improvement on symptoms of depression and anxiety: a meta-analysis ofrandomized controlled trials.Psychosom Med. 2019;81(3):265-280. doi:10.1097/PSY.0000000000000673
Li Y, Lv MR, Wei YJ, Sun L, Zhang JX, Zhang HG, Li B.Dietary patterns and depression risk: a meta-analysis.Psychiatry Res. 2017;253:373-382. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2017.04.020
Yang L, Zhao Y, Wang Y, et al.The effects of psychological stress on depression.Curr Neuropharmacol. 2015;13(4):494-504. doi:10.2174/1570159x1304150831150507
American Psychological Association.Healthy ways to handle life’s stressors.
Satici SA, Gocet Tekin E, Deniz ME, Satici B.Doomscrolling scale: its association with personality traits, psychological distress, social media use, and wellbeing.Appl Res Qual Life. 2023;18(2):833-847. doi:10.1007/s11482-022-10110-7
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