Fatigue Associated With Illness: When Being Tired Is Not Enough

The problem is that not all forms of fatigue are the same. And sometimes, what you believe to be burnout or restless nights is actually something much more profound, profound, and biologically based. Being able to distinguish between the type of exhaustion that results from disease and regular fatigue can be crucial in obtaining the necessary assistance.

The Typical Type of Fatigue: Fatigue With an Off-Ramp

There is generally an obvious cause for regular fatigue, the kind that most of us are all too familiar with. Perhaps you have been having a lot of late nights. You might feel emotionally spent. Perhaps the general ridiculousness of life has accumulated to the point that your nervous system simply needs a break. Usually, this type of fatigue can be resolved. A peaceful stroll in the sunshine, a strong cup of coffee, or even a restful night's sleep can serve as a reset button.

The foundation of this type of weariness is comparatively healthy. There is no siege on your immune system. Your organs do not scream.

Your organs do not scream. Even if your muscles are weary and your brain is exhausted, you are still going—just on fumes. You can still function, get up, and pretend to smile. Although you are exhausted, you are not ill.

The Other Type: Fatigue Associated with Illness That Causes a Complete Body Shutdown

Then there is the alternative type. The kind that, despite your best efforts to rest and sleep for a long time, digs its claws into you and will not let go. Fatigue brought on by illness makes you feel as though your entire body has turned to wet cement. It takes enormous work at every step. Your brain hurts, and your limbs hurt like you have been carrying weights that are not visible. It is hazy, annoying, and slow, like a mirror after a hot shower.

Rest did not help me recover from chronic Epstein-Barr virus, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, or persistent Lyme illness; it just saved me from passing out. I was not simply worn out. I was completely destroyed. Napping was essential; it was not a luxury. I got persistent flu-like aches. Almost migraine-like headaches. nightmares that became into terrifying hallucinations. It was like decoding hieroglyphs when I read a sentence. Stair climbing? It could as well have been Everest on certain days.

The worst aspect is that it cannot be overcome by "pushing through." because neither stress nor sleep deprivation was the source of this weariness. My body was displaying a white flag as a result of internal conflict brought on by inflammation and illnesses.

So How Do You Distinguish Between the Two?

If fatigue has been crushing you and you are not sure why, try asking yourself these questions:

Does this fatigue feel familiar, or is it unfamiliar, even frightening?

(Your typical burnout frequently feels different from exhaustion brought on by illness.)

Does it disappear when you take a break or reduce your workload, or does it linger like a shadow?

Are there any additional symptoms present, such as fevers, strange headaches, body aches, or fogginess in the brain?

Have you been experiencing these symptoms for days, weeks, or more?

Do you get an unexplainable "odd" feeling, as if something more fundamental is amiss?

Are you still able to function? Or is it a production to even clean your teeth?

By asking these questions, you can distinguish between situational and potentially systemic factors.

The Real Story of Fatigue Caused by Illness

This type of relentless, soul-crushing fatigue is notorious for certain conditions. This characteristic type of exhaustion, which makes you feel as though your body is failing you, is frequently associated with tick-borne illnesses, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME), long-term COVID, and autoimmune diseases.

It is critical to realize that this is not a sign of laziness. It is not a sign of weakness. Furthermore, energy drinks and inspirational sayings are not the solution. Fatigue brought on by illness is a physiologic shutdown, where your body applies the brakes because something is not working properly.

Before it turns into a scream, hear the whisper.

You are the only one who truly knows your body. You are familiar with the feeling of "normal fatigue." Therefore, do not ignore your fatigue if it does not act as it usually does, if it persists, intensifies, or starts to get in the way of your life.

Too many people blame themselves for being "lazy" or "unmotivated" for months or years, when in reality, they are suffering from a medical condition that requires care.

It is time to see your physician if your exhaustion is persistent, unusual, or accompanied by other symptoms. Avoid waiting for things to worsen. Avoid deceiving yourself into believing that it is all in your head.

The Bottom Line

Although fatigue is prevalent, it is not always a good thing. Your body may use it as the only way to alert you to a problem. So pay attention. Take a nap if you need one. But look farther if relaxation is not working.

You do not have to be content with just getting by each day. You should not only be awake; you should feel well.