Always Tired

[PenforPrez]

I've lived a life of near-constant exhaustion. I wake up exhausted nearly every morning, and stay that way most of the day. It's been like that for as many years as I can think back. I've just always accepted it as part of being depressed and I've just dealt with it as best I can.

But lately, this problem just seems to be worse than usual. I've just felt more burned-out over the last couple of weeks than is typical. I had to call in to work on Thursday. I just sat in my chair after my shower, and I just knew I could not make the trip in. That worries me. I have very rarely called into work for any depression-related reason. I pride myself on that. I have to go, so I go.

I've wondered if my three-hour daily commute plays a part in that. But that's not a real excuse. My father did a longer commute for most of his 50's. He had to drive farther than I did and the speed limit then was 55. :rolleyes:

I was very tired this last week. I had attributed that to my trip last weekend. I really pushed myself too hard; in three days, I was on the road for about 36 hours. I didn't sleep well on the road; I never do. But I've spent most of this weekend sleeping, and I'm still very worn out.

I just hate being tired all the time, but there seems to be no solution for it. Is anybody else this way? Just wondered what insight anybody had here.

Paul

[old_school_soul]

I would say that 3 hours of commuting a day could definitely be draining you. I would also say that getting some routine rigorous excercise would help you as well.

[allie1105]

I second the exercise thing. Eat healthier, too - fresh fruits and veggies, etc. That really attributes to your energy level.

[winneythepooh7]

Long commutes definitely can make you tired. I also find that when I am sitting around doing nothing, that makes me really tired. Doesn't make sense, really, but it does.

The eating healthier thing is important too, but I think you know that already!

Why not "force" yourself to at least go take a half-hour walk outside? I bet it will make you feel better!

[ebruening]

Exercise and diet, I'd say, would be your best bets for aiding in alertness throughout the day. Also, do you go to bed and wake up at the same times every day (including weekends)? I try to get to bed near 11:00 p.m. every night - including weekends - and get up around 6:00 a.m. every day. I've found that has helped my energy level immensely. I also try to do something physically active every day, whether it's running a few miles on a treadmill, or taking it easy, like I did today, and going out for a hike and a picnic in one of the state parks. I sleep much more soundly when I've had some daily exercise.

[hoodie]

3 hour commute? No wonder! That would drain anyone! I ditto plan-exercise-and-eat-healthy. Also consider having your thyroid checked if none of that works.

[PenforPrez]

The eating healthier thing is important too, but I think you know that already!

I've been making changes in that area. I'm drinking more water and eating more fruit. There's more I can do, but it's a solid start.

Why not "force" yourself to at least go take a half-hour walk outside? I bet it will make you feel better!

I was taking a nearly half-hour walk daily after work; I'm trying to get back into that habit. I noticed no change in my fatigue level when I did walk than when I didn't.

Also, do you go to bed and wake up at the same times every day (including weekends)? I try to get to bed near 110 p.m. every night - including weekends - and get up around 60 a.m. every day. I've found that has helped my energy level immensely.

I make a habit of that during the week; I have to have 7 to 8 hours of sleep, or I cannot function. I was like that before I was driving 90 minutes one way to work.:rolleyes: I usually go to bed around 10 or 10: 30 every night and get up about 6:30.

On the weekends, I don't always do that. I should, especially since I've had little to do lately.

Also consider having your thyroid checked if none of that works.

I had bloodwork done on all this 10 years ago. Nothing was wrong. Like my chest pain. There's nothing wrong with me. :googly:

Paul

[Krishna]

Random question....are you sleeping enough/sleeping right? If you dont hit a good, deep sleep, you'll probably still wake up tired.

[PenforPrez]

Random question....are you sleeping enough/sleeping right? If you dont hit a good, deep sleep, you'll probably still wake up tired.

I sleep more than anybody I know. I sleep 7 1/2 to 8 hours a night and NOTHING will wake me up at night. Except for one thing, and you don't want to know what that is. ;)

Paul

[Krishna]

I sleep more than anybody I know. I sleep 7 1/2 to 8 hours a night and NOTHING will wake me up at night. Except for one thing, and you don't want to know what that is. ;)

Paul


Bwahahahaha.....my mind totally just took an abrupt trip into the gutter.

[PenforPrez]

Bwahahahaha.....my mind totally just took an abrupt trip into the gutter.

That's what you should have thought. That's why you didn't want to know. :evil: I'm serious, though; nothing else will wake me up in the night.

Paul

[Krishna]

*snorts*

Sometimes I dont even wake up for things like the gutter-thoughts.

[PenforPrez]

*snorts*

Sometimes I dont even wake up for things like the gutter-thoughts.

You have to consider also I'm very repressed anyway. It's like Eddie Murphy in 48 Hrs.: "I've been in prison for two years. My dick gets hard if the wind blows." That's how it is.

I sleep very well in my bed. I never sleep well in another bed. The first night I was out in Kansas last weekend, I slept maybe four hours. The pillows were too hard and the mattress was too lumpy. What did I expect for $37 a night?

But I have few problems sleeping in my bed. I was reading one study that claimed that depressives were exhausted because they dream too much. I would challenge that; I rarely remember any of my dreams. :?:

Paul

[Krishna]

I sleep very well in my bed. I never sleep well in another bed. The first night I was out in Kansas last weekend, I slept maybe four hours. The pillows were too hard and the mattress was too lumpy. What did I expect for $37 a night?


I only sleep well when my boyfriend is with me. It's weird....it doesnt matter where we are, but as long as he's there, I can sleep. I don't sleep very well alone in my own bed...

[Nelzie]

But I have few problems sleeping in my bed. I was reading one study that claimed that depressives were exhausted because they dream too much. I would challenge that; I rarely remember any of my dreams.

I find that really interesting. While I have never been diagnosed with depression, I am pretty sure I do have it, and I feel like I dream constantly all night long. I never feel rested after I sleep and I wake up many times during the night due to dreams. I hate that I dream so much, I feel like this is why I am tired all the time. I feel like I never get any good solid restful sleep because I am always dreaming. I thought it was just me, but maybe its actually true

[asm198]

Even if you're sleeping 8 hours an night, you may not be getting good sleep. My husband can sleep for a solid 8 hours, wake up, and be exhausted.

[WorkInProgress]

Even if you're sleeping 8 hours an night, you may not be getting good sleep. My husband can sleep for a solid 8 hours, wake up, and be exhausted.

Yep. That's been me for about two solid weeks. Today I actually feel refreshed, which is nice, but I think it's b/c some external stress is gone.

I'd also recommend trying the diet/exercise/regular sleep routine route before seriously worrying about other stuff. Do you breathe well when you sleep?

[sparky88]

I feel the same way. I don't think my fatigue is related to my current diet/exercise/sleep schedule. I've felt this way my whole life under many different lifestyle circumstances. It is probably depression/anxiety related.

[embrassezla]

Paul, I was the same way for a very long time. I made some serious changes to my lifestyle and it really helped.

I never thought I'd be the type of person to have a ton of energy, always be moving, doing something, getting things done. I needed 9-10hrs of sleep per night, and I still had no energy to do anything. I made some pretty extreme changes to get to where I am now. I changed my diet to almost completely vegan. I started working out, hard, 3-5 times per week. I sleep with a white noise machine and a sleep mask.

I'd say the MOST important thing you can do to have more energy is exercise. I'll be frank - a daily 30min walk isn't going to cut it, IMO. You need to do something that will get your heartrate up, and keep it up, for at least 20mins. You'll see major improvements in your energy levels and sleep quality if you can do this 3 times per week.

Definitely eating better will help, especially for short-term periods (if you eat a large, carb-heavy meal you'll feel listless for a few hours), but exercise is really what's going to do it for you. Sorry that's probably not what you want to hear, but it's the only thing that's worked for me.

Good luck!

[EmberMae]

That's weird, I always feel more rested when I dream and I wake up remembering my dream.

Anyway, I really think the commute is a big part of it. I know that driving is really exhausting to me and it's hard on my body sitting in that stiff position for extended periods. But some people just need more sleep than others and unfortunately work schedules in this country are not structured to allow that. I personally really dont' feel my best unless I get at least 8 hours of sleep.

[Dirty Sanchez]

Paul, have you had your blood sugars, insulin levels, etc checked? My being tired all the time tipped my doc off to the fact that I'm insulin resistant...

[halfbaked07]

I haven't been around for a while so I'm sure I haven't seen all the changes in your life. I know about the job move, but has anything else changed. I know depression causes sleep problems, and exhaustion if you are getting a full nights sleep.


I ditto whoever said they sleep better with thier bf in the bed. I'm the same way, but when I am boyfriendless, I still sleep better with someone else in the bed (preferably male, even if it is strictly platonic) I think it makes me feel safer.

[Samwell]

I'd say the MOST important thing you can do to have more energy is exercise. I'll be frank - a daily 30min walk isn't going to cut it, IMO. You need to do something that will get your heartrate up, and keep it up, for at least 20mins. You'll see major improvements in your energy levels and sleep quality if you can do this 3 times per week.

I second that. Walking is a good start but you need to do something more vigorous on a regular basis to really affect your energy levels.

I've just always accepted it as part of being depressed and I've just dealt with it as best I can.

That strikes me as the real problem here. Yes your commute is draining, you could eat better and you could exercise more, but if you're depressed then there is a biological reason for fatigue that underlies it all. I speak from experience when I say that low-grade anxiety/depression is a tricky thing to deal with because it is possible to limp along for so long just slapping band-aids on the issue of the moment and never get serious about addressing the central problem.

The good news is that exercise and eating better will help low grade depression too, but if you are ready to get serious about it you should see a doctor...

My 2 cents...good luck.

[halfbaked07]

The good news is that exercise and eating better will help low grade depression too, but if you are ready to get serious about it you should see a doctor...

My 2 cents...good luck.
Ditto this.. I really think this could be the problem. I'm actually thinking of seeing a dr about it myself. I don't think I am so much depressed as needing to get past a seriously rough spot in my life. Hopefully talking to someone or suplementing with vitamins or anti-depressants or whatever the dr. thinks will get me through it and I'll be on my way again.

[Samwell]

Ditto this.. I really think this could be the problem. I'm actually thinking of seeing a dr about it myself. I don't think I am so much depressed as needing to get past a seriously rough spot in my life. Hopefully talking to someone or suplementing with vitamins or anti-depressants or whatever the dr. thinks will get me through it and I'll be on my way again.

I dragged my melancholy ass around for a good 7 or 8 years trying to get a grip on things alone (mostly through self-medication..., but also meditation, exercise, diet changes, etc). I finally broke down and talked to a doctor about it, took an anti-depressant for 3 months and things changed dramatically. Looking back it was the turning point of my life and I should've done it years earlier.

The person in the rut is not always the best judge of what it will take to get out...

[halfbaked07]

The person in the rut is not always the best judge of what it will take to get out...
agreed.

i'm glad you are doing better. hopefully soon I will be saying the same thing. :D

[PenforPrez]

Paul, have you had your blood sugars, insulin levels, etc checked? My being tired all the time tipped my doc off to the fact that I'm insulin resistant...

Oh yeah. Nearly everybody in my family over age 50 is diabetic, so I watch for anything diabetes/blood sugar related. I've personally gone through a glucose tolerance test. Do they still do that?

I have a rare blood sugar spell now and then; no more than most people. My cholesterol is fine (I wonder how), triglycerides, thyroid, blood pressure. I don't know about my oil and brake fluid. :p

I dragged my melancholy ass around for a good 7 or 8 years trying to get a grip on things alone (mostly through self-medication..., but also meditation, exercise, diet changes, etc). I finally broke down and talked to a doctor about it, took an anti-depressant for 3 months and things changed dramatically. Looking back it was the turning point of my life and I should've done it years earlier.

Been down that road, not doing it again. I did meds for almost three years in high school. It did me good for that time. I don't think that's right for me now. My world is radically different now than it was 10 years ago. I am seriously thinking of finding a new therapist, though.

Depression CANNOT be handled alone. No exceptions.

Ditto this.. I really think this could be the problem. I'm actually thinking of seeing a dr about it myself. I don't think I am so much depressed as needing to get past a seriously rough spot in my life.

Talking to a professional can help almost anyone. But it has to be the RIGHT person, or you're wasting your time. That's hard to find.

Paul

[PenforPrez]

That's weird, I always feel more rested when I dream and I wake up remembering my dream.

I don't put much stock in that study. NOTHING related to depression is that simple. You think you've found the answer, then the trap door opens, and you're back to square one.

I very rarely remember dreams of any sort, especially anymore. I've tried a lot of things in that regard, but nothing really worked.

I'd also recommend trying the diet/exercise/regular sleep routine route before seriously worrying about other stuff. Do you breathe well when you sleep?

I've been told I snore. Rather loudly. I've never heard me snore, so I'm not sure. :p


I ditto whoever said they sleep better with thier bf in the bed. I'm the same way, but when I am boyfriendless, I still sleep better with someone else in the bed (preferably male, even if it is strictly platonic) I think it makes me feel safer.

I'm used to sleeping alone. Sort of. This is going to sound incredibly sad, but I cuddle up with a long pillow at night for so long a lack of sleeping with somebody else. :redface: It's been a long time, and it looks probable that it will be a very long time yet, so I deal as best I can. In this case, desire is meaningless.

Paul

[Nelzie]

I didnt read back over everything, but is it possible you have sleep apnea? I know you said you snore alot. I know when people have sleep apnea they are often very tired no matter how much they sleep

[Krishna]

I ditto whoever said they sleep better with thier bf in the bed. I'm the same way, but when I am boyfriendless, I still sleep better with someone else in the bed (preferably male, even if it is strictly platonic) I think it makes me feel safer.


Yep. It took me a while to get like this though. When we first started dating, I hated having someone in my bed- couldnt stand it when he tried to cuddle while sleeping. Then for a while, I HAD to have him cuddling with me all night. Now though, I'm just satisfied to have him there, even w/o cuddling.

[Bocheezu]

Depression CANNOT be handled alone. No exceptions.

I disagree completely. I handled it just fine by myself. Just took some time and soul searching.

[halfbaked07]

Yep. It took me a while to get like this though. When we first started dating, I hated having someone in my bed- couldnt stand it when he tried to cuddle while sleeping. Then for a while, I HAD to have him cuddling with me all night. Now though, I'm just satisfied to have him there, even w/o cuddling.
I don't know... I have always been like that. even when I was 15 / 16. I would sleep with a guy friend or my bf when I was out all night and I always slept Much better.

Of course it took getting used to sleeping with someone new before I slept really well. The first night or two I always sleep really light. I guess I'm scared I'm going to snore or something...lol..

Pen- I agree that it is probably hard to find someone good to talk too, but its worth a try.

Also second the sleep apnea thing. I never even thought of that. I should have, my dad has it. :rolleyes:

[WorkInProgress]

I didnt read back over everything, but is it possible you have sleep apnea? I know you said you snore alot. I know when people have sleep apnea they are often very tired no matter how much they sleep

That's the reason I was asking, actually. It doesn't just happen to old people.

[PenforPrez]

People have suggested sleep apnea; that's about the only thing that hasn't been tested. I was wondering if I should try some of those nasal strips at night for the snoring and see if that worked.

Paul

[halfbaked07]

People have suggested sleep apnea; that's about the only thing that hasn't been tested. I was wondering if I should try some of those nasal strips at night for the snoring and see if that worked.

Paul
probably couldn't hurt anything to try.

[lostnotyetfound]

I also suffer from depression. I have been in and out of therapy and tried about 4 different anti-depressants. While they did help regulate my mood, they made me sort of feel out of it and had too many side effects.

I read an interesting book called the Mood Cure. You might want to check it out. She gives natural remedies for treating depression, basically through different types of supplements. Supposedly it works better than ad's.

I would also recommend trying to eat healthier and exercise can help too. Although I know how difficult it is to get motivated to do anything when you are depressed.

You mentioned you had your thyroid checked 10 years ago. That's quite a long time, things can change. You should probably have it checked again.

[PenforPrez]

I also suffer from depression. I have been in and out of therapy and tried about 4 different anti-depressants. While they did help regulate my mood, they made me sort of feel out of it and had too many side effects.

I never had problems with the second anti-depressant I took. The first one turned me into the living dead. Like I'm much better now. :p

I would also recommend trying to eat healthier and exercise can help too. Although I know how difficult it is to get motivated to do anything when you are depressed.

Tell me about it! So many things I want to do, but all I want to do at the end of the day is go home and go to bed. :( That's no way to live.

Paul

[vivo]

I never had problems with the second anti-depressant I took. The first one turned me into the living dead. Like I'm much better now. :p



Tell me about it! So many things I want to do, but all I want to do at the end of the day is go home and go to bed. :( That's no way to live.

Paul

The right side of my brain isn't quite right. That affects my behavior greatly. I think even energy levels. Ever gone to a neuropsychologist? If so maybe go again and bring this up.

[old_school_soul]

I'm going to agree that walking ain't enough. You're a man in your 20s, you need excercise. My parents went for 30 minute walks when they were 50.

Also I think sleep apnea is when you stop breathing from your snoring. So if anyone has told you that, then you should see a doc about it.

[dengeist]

Try seeing an endocrinologist about your hormone levels? I read an artcle in Men's Health about low testosterone levels and how they can cause something similar to what you described.

[PenforPrez]

I'm going to agree that walking ain't enough. You're a man in your 20s, you need excercise. My parents went for 30 minute walks when they were 50.

I'm not able to do much without running out of breath. I've had that problem all my life, even when I worked physical jobs. In school, I was always the kid who couldn't run the full mile. Not even close.

Also I think sleep apnea is when you stop breathing from your snoring. So if anyone has told you that, then you should see a doc about it.

How can I afford it on no insurance? Seeing the doctor is fine, but my doctor always orders blood work or tests of some sort. That's $200 out of pocket, easily. They NEVER find anything on any blood work or tests I ever have done. So if I'm hesitant, that's why.

It's like the tests I had on my chest pains. For three years they ran tests on that. They found exactly one thing: I have "slightly hyper-inflated" lungs. That didn't explain it. Or anything else. Makes me wonder if I need a new doctor.

Paul

[halfbaked07]

I'm not able to do much without running out of breath. I've had that problem all my life, even when I worked physical jobs. In school, I was always the kid who couldn't run the full mile. Not even close.



How can I afford it on no insurance? Seeing the doctor is fine, but my doctor always orders blood work or tests of some sort. That's $200 out of pocket, easily. They NEVER find anything on any blood work or tests I ever have done. So if I'm hesitant, that's why.

It's like the tests I had on my chest pains. For three years they ran tests on that. They found exactly one thing: I have "slightly hyper-inflated" lungs. That didn't explain it. Or anything else. Makes me wonder if I need a new doctor.

Paul

i would think that a new dr wouldn't be a bad idea.

[cheshrcarol]

I'm not able to do much without running out of breath. I've had that problem all my life, even when I worked physical jobs. In school, I was always the kid who couldn't run the full mile. Not even close.That's because you're out of shape. You can just go from a sedentary life to running a mile. It's possible you also might have asthma.

[embrassezla]

That's because you're out of shape. You can just go from a sedentary life to running a mile.
I was thinking this too - if you've never really exerted yourself through regular exercise before, it's not surprising that you can't do much. Even power walking (>3mph) could be a good way to start building up some stamina. You have to do it religiously, but you'll see results pretty quickly.

[red]

That's because you're out of shape. You can't just go from a sedentary life to running a mile. It's possible you also might have asthma.

yeah, and you are overweight and have a bad diet too right? i mean, if the most strenuous thing you do is sometimes walk for 30 minutes and you drive everywhere else, it will take you a while to get into shape. you lose fitness fairly quickly but it takes a long time to develop it.

[old_school_soul]

I'm not able to do much without running out of breath. I've had that problem all my life, even when I worked physical jobs. In school, I was always the kid who couldn't run the full mile. Not even close.


So you can't workout cuz you're out of shape, and you're outta shape cuz you can't workout. It's a vicious cycle. This sounds like a line from Austin Powers. You're lying to yourself by rationalizing your lifestyle.



How can I afford it on no insurance? Seeing the doctor is fine, but my doctor always orders blood work or tests of some sort. That's $200 out of pocket, easily. They NEVER find anything on any blood work or tests I ever have done. So if I'm hesitant, that's why.


Well I think you can attribute most of your problems to being overweight and inactive. You're battling the symptoms of being overweight, and not the root of the problem. Why? Because tackling the root of the problem is "hard". Loose 30 lbs, and then come back and see what's bothering you. That doesn't mean don't treat your issues in the meantime, but don't treat ONLY the symptoms. That's a bandaid fix.

[PenforPrez]

I was thinking this too - if you've never really exerted yourself through regular exercise before, it's not surprising that you can't do much. Even power walking (>3mph) could be a good way to start building up some stamina. You have to do it religiously, but you'll see results pretty quickly.

I'm trying to make myself walk the trails at the nearby state park more often on weekends. I was able to force myself to do that this weekend. I wasn't in too bad of shape after a 2.75 mile walk on a rough uphill/downhill trail, which took me 52 or 53 minutes. I used to do that all the time, and just fell out of the habit. I used to be able to do it in 49-50, and I should be able to quicker than that. I was fairly happy that I wasn't gasping for air like a two-pack a day smoker.

What I don't understand is how I can get leg cramp walking a mile or a mile and a half on a paved walking trail, while I get nothing of the sort on a three mile hike through the woods.

Paul

[pisces2473]

What I don't understand is how I can get leg cramp walking a mile or a mile and a half on a paved walking trail, while I get nothing of the sort on a three mile hike through the woods.

Paul
Might have been the terrain difference. My body likes walking in the woods more than asphalt. Also, what did you eat/drink each time? If you had something completely different, that could be why you got a cramp.

The body is weird!

[PenforPrez]

Might have been the terrain difference. My body likes walking in the woods more than asphalt. Also, what did you eat/drink each time? If you had something completely different, that could be why you got a cramp.

I always walk after work, some five hours after lunch. :rolleyes: I was thinking it was the asphalt myself.

Paul

[embrassezla]

Stretching before and after your walk as well as drinking a ton of water should help with the cramps. I like to start exercising already hydrated, which helps prevent cramping. Then I drink water throughout the workout and after and that about does it.

[PenforPrez]

What I'm wondering is how I'm going to walk after work with winter coming on. The park I walk at closes at dusk, so the sign says. Problem is, I get off work at 6, and it won't be long before it will be close to dark at 6. Maybe I'll have to walk BEFORE work.

I'm not worried about the cold. I've hiked in near-0 degree weather; doesn't bother me too much. :)

Paul

[pisces2473]

Walk inside a mall, walmart, grocery store? Workout DVDs? They aren't too expensive, you can probably borrow them from the library.

[PenforPrez]

Walk inside a mall, walmart

That's not a bad idea. If I see another Goddamn piece of shit Elmo toy, it'll make me run. To get as far away as I possibly can! :p :evil: j/k

I do like that idea, though. I didn't like the thought of walking BEFORE work.

Paul