Constantly tired and confused

[Tembo]

I've always had problems with tiredness and getting confused with things. But over the last few weeks it's been much worse. Constantly tired, and can never be bothered to do anything. Any thing slightly difficult I have to think about, I just get confused and can't think straight.

The issue is, I just don't know how to improve it. Anxiety and depression is not so much of an issue anymore (although low mood does still affect me). I eat more healthily, I get more exercise and I socialise more. I do try to get at least 7 hours sleep. So I'm living my life a bit better. I've also been tested for anemia to rule that out, and I don't have it. So I have no idea what to do, apart from sleep for 10 hours, and do little activity in the day - but ill get no where in life if I just do that!

Has anyone else had this issue and been able to overcome it ? Thanks

[umm]

What does your diet typically consist of?

[misska]

Ive had this and been to the doctors they just said it was depression related. Maybe its to do with being depressed.

[Victoriablack]

Even low levels of anxiety can make you feel tired because your body is aware of it. I don't think the time of year, with it being cold and dark, helps either.

[Tembo]

Originally Posted by umm

What does your diet typically consist of?

Usually I would start off with cereal, then a wrap or salad for lunch, and dinner I try to have a balanced meal with meat, veg and carbs (sometimes without meat). Usually have a lot of fruit through the day as well. Unfortunately I do sometimes pig out on junk in the afternoons, but not as much as I used to. I could cut out the junk completely, but then I wouldn't have much to look forward to.

Originally Posted by misska

Ive had this and been to the doctors they just said it was depression related. Maybe its to do with being depressed.

Yes you're probably right. I've been depressed for as long as I can remember, but its been much better controlled over the last year. However, I do feel like it might be getting worse again - but not exactly sure why.

Originally Posted by Victoriablack

Even low levels of anxiety can make you feel tired because your body is aware of it. I don't think the time of year, with it being cold and dark, helps either.

Yes, even though I'm less anxious, I guess it is still there. I'm not a fan of the winter months - I don't enjoy going for walks as much as I do in the summer.


Maybe I should just eat boring food and go to bed early - but that doesn't sound fun!

[Tembo]

Originally Posted by jinny

maybe you're due for a holiday?

I'd like to agree with you, but I volunteer 3 days a week... so I can't really complain about being overworked

[newbs16]

^ What did the doctor say when they tested you for anemia?

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[Tembo]

Originally Posted by newbs16

^ What did the doctor say when they tested you for anemia?

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Not much really.

I went to the appointment explaining that my anxiety and depression had improved, but I was still having issues with tiredness and concentration, which is when he got me to have the blood test.
After that, I just got a phone call saying my test did not come up with anything. That's it.

I just want to know what the hell is wrong with me.

[newbs16]

^ Maybe you should go back again if you don't feel any better.

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[greenman]

Hi I just wondered if you are on any medication at all, as one of the side effects could be tiredness or confusion. My other suggestion is that you may have SAD or a form of post viral fatigue syndrome. Anxiety and depression are also contributing factors

[Austere_Lemur]

I know that this may seem silly and/or anti-social (taking a step backwards), but I really do believe in having plenty of sleep. A minimum of 8 hours. Having sufficient sleep definitely helps to make me feel better!

Others have cited anxiety, depression and medication. In my personal experience, medication typically takes a toll physically and/or mentally during the early acclimatising period. It varies per medication, of course, but that's just my experience - and I've been prescribed a few various medications for my social anxiety.

I don't know if you drink alcohol or smoke at all, but they can also affect things - as well as inhibit the effectiveness of the medications prescribed by medical professionals.

Also people have mentioned diet - I really can't talk here since I like my pizzas and such. Diet can factor into depression - at least I've studied the science behind it at school. Ultimately, however, I think it's a relatively small factor in the grand scheme of things.

Life is too short. If I were told tomorrow that I'd only have another 24 hours to live, I'd totally order 10 pizzas from Pizza Hut! Of course that could have something to do with the fact that I've recently moved to Norway and I miss many things about the UK (namely Pizza Hut and cheap alcohol!!!).

In any event, the key is to remember that you're not alone with your feelings - there's always someone to turn to on here and talk to. Everyone has bad days - some are worse than others. When I hit rock bottom, I knew that the only way was up.

Just remember that you have a lot of positives in your life - things to be proud of. You're volunteering three days a week. That's amazing. Don't lose sight of that. Get confidence from that and take it further.

You can do it!

All the best x

[Tembo]

Originally Posted by newbs16

^ Maybe you should go back again if you don't feel any better.

I probably should. If I'm still like this in a few weeks I shall book an appointment.

Originally Posted by greenman

Hi I just wondered if you are on any medication at all, as one of the side effects could be tiredness or confusion. My other suggestion is that you may have SAD or a form of post viral fatigue syndrome. Anxiety and depression are also contributing factors

No not on any medication. I'm worried about the side effects if I ever went on medication. I think my best guess is that its the depression that's causing this, and maybe the winter months have made it worse with the longer nights and miserable weather. But I thought my depression was better than it was before

Originally Posted by aloneuntilidie

As others have mentioned, anxiety and depression can be physically draining; also, I notice that you dismissed jinny's suggestion that you may need a holiday because you work only three days per week, but I don't work at all and I still need to get away from time to time. It could be that you are stuck in a rut and need to break out of your routine?

You do say that you "pig out on junk" and this may be a contributory factor; there's nothing wrong with the occasional bit of junk food, but perhaps not to the point of pigging out? Also, as others have said, it may be seasonal: humans do possess a dormant hibernation gene, as in prehistoric times sleeping more in winter was one way of surviving by reducing the need for food (which would have been scarce at that stage in history).

I hope this malaise passes when the weather improves and the days start to lengthen (which won't be soon as we are still two weeks from the winter solstice), if not before.

Thanks

I could probably do with a holiday. Although I've been on loads of holidays this year, and I also quit my office job in July, so my routine is much more varied this year.

I may have exaggerated when I said I "pig out". I don't eat colossal amounts, but definitely more than I should. I am eating junk less, and trying to fill myself up on fruit and veg.

As you say, it might be the seasonal thing. I can't remember if I had similar thoughts last year, but I certainly enjoy things less in the winter. Hopefully the in spring things will improve. Its January and February im worrying about. Post-Christmas blues, I'm moving in to my Mum's new house (which will be a building site), and Jan/Feb tend to have wetter and colder weather (that's my impression anyway).

Originally Posted by Austere_Lemur

I know that this may seem silly and/or anti-social (taking a step backwards), but I really do believe in having plenty of sleep. A minimum of 8 hours. Having sufficient sleep definitely helps to make me feel better!

Others have cited anxiety, depression and medication. In my personal experience, medication typically takes a toll physically and/or mentally during the early acclimatising period. It varies per medication, of course, but that's just my experience - and I've been prescribed a few various medications for my social anxiety.

I don't know if you drink alcohol or smoke at all, but they can also affect things - as well as inhibit the effectiveness of the medications prescribed by medical professionals.

Also people have mentioned diet - I really can't talk here since I like my pizzas and such. Diet can factor into depression - at least I've studied the science behind it at school. Ultimately, however, I think it's a relatively small factor in the grand scheme of things.

Life is too short. If I were told tomorrow that I'd only have another 24 hours to live, I'd totally order 10 pizzas from Pizza Hut! Of course that could have something to do with the fact that I've recently moved to Norway and I miss many things about the UK (namely Pizza Hut and cheap alcohol!!!).

In any event, the key is to remember that you're not alone with your feelings - there's always someone to turn to on here and talk to. Everyone has bad days - some are worse than others. When I hit rock bottom, I knew that the only way was up.

Just remember that you have a lot of positives in your life - things to be proud of. You're volunteering three days a week. That's amazing. Don't lose sight of that. Get confidence from that and take it further.

You can do it!

All the best x

Thanks

Yes I'm trying to get 8 hours sleep, but I've failed so far! On Monday night I went to bed at 9.30pm, and just laid in my bed awake until 2.30am - I'm not really sure what caused that. Sleep is possibly the major factor in my poor concentration and tiredness.

Yes I've heard lots about the side affects on medication. I've never had medication for my depression and anxiety. Out of interest, with any of the meds you've been on, have any actually made you feel more energetic at all?

Thankfully I don't smoke, but I do drink alcohol. It is confined to 1 or 2 days a week, but I'm tempted to cut it out completely. I might do that after Christmas (the temptation will be too much during Christmas ) . I'm also drinking less sugary drinks, and I never really drink tea or coffee.

Yes life certainly is too short - one positive of this year is that I'm trying to experience as many new things as possible. Maybe doing this has tired me out? But I don't feel I've pushed myself too much.

I hope you're enjoying life in Norway (even without the cheap booze and Pizza Hut!).