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Fatigue with a change in mental health

Healthwise
By Jan Nissl, RN, BS

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Fatigue is usually described as a need to rest because of a lack of energy or strength. Fatigue may also be described as a feeling of tiredness, exhaustion, or lack of energy. Often it is accompanied by impatience and a loss of motivation. Fatigue can be made worse by exercise, depression, and time of day.

Fatigue is a common symptom of mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety, or the effects of stress.

Home treatment may be all that is needed for a mental health problem that is causing symptoms such as mild fatigue. If your mood does not improve within 2 to 4 weeks despite home treatment, contact your health professional.

If you are thinking about suicide, have a plan to commit suicide, or are thinking about harming yourself or someone else, contact a health professional immediately. If you are not able to talk with your health professional immediately, call your local suicide hotline or the national suicide hotline (1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-8255).

Credits

Author Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Updated January 13, 2009
Last Updated: 01/13/2009