Fatigue : I’ve been trying to work on my fatigue for... - Headway

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Fatigue

Jpdee75 profile image
13 Replies

I’ve been trying to work on my fatigue for a couple of years now by working part time I’m in a unique situation where I can work when I want to. I don’t seem to be improving much I’m not in a great financial position and work is a bit of a must. I’ve realised recently that it doesn’t take a lot to throw my mood down and turn my thoughts and feelings very negative and it’s all become unsustainable I’ve decided to stop working recently to try balance my moods. Does anyone know if this tiredness can get better. It’s so frustrating cause I can do job just haven’t got the energy to sustain full time work.

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Jpdee75 profile image
Jpdee75
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13 Replies
swedishblue11 profile image
swedishblue11

I don't have answers, but like you I've had to step back from work to focus on healing/improving fatigue and mood. The job I do, which I love, is unsustainable longterm. The exhaustion impacts in so many ways; insomnia, low mood, headaches, total exhaustion, etc.

I've been referred to a 'chronic fatigue clinic' here, where once a month, by phone, we focus on "baselines", and eliminating my "boom and bust" pattern. In my case its an autonomic nervous system dysfunction, so I practise meditation listening to healing music (e.g. Tibetan) on YouTube three times daily. It really helps!

All the research I've found points to giving up work - (this maybe temporary or not) to maximise recovery. Will let you know how I do!

Out of interest, have you seen a neuropsychologist for some backup support? I found them especially helpful with guidance.

Jpdee75 profile image
Jpdee75 in reply to swedishblue11

Yes I started seeing a neuropsychologist couple of weeks ago she’s helping me except my new future but, there’s something with in me that will not give up on things. Sounds naive but I refuse to live the rest of my life tired and anxious etc. it doesn’t seem to take a great deal. I am following a guy called dr joe dispenza he does meditation amongst other things. He has a remarkable story of self healing through meditation it’s almost unbelievable he’s definitely worth a look at on YouTube

Pairofboots profile image
Pairofboots

Hi JP, fatigue is possibly one of the most occurring problems. You can't see it, you can't touch it, you can't fight it, and it is nothing like the fatigue you may experience from a hard physical job, or running a marathon.

The neuro-psychologist can help you to adjust to live with it. Recognising the things that cause your fatigue, and then listening to your body. There isn't a magic bullet that solves this, heals the problem. Some suggest taking micro-naps, some suggest breaking the day into manageable chunks.

We tend to think that we can beat this, but the more we fight it the more it bites. We tend to get get into a "boom and bust" cycle at first. It does improve, but only if you listen to your body.

I haven't heard of Dr Dispenza before, I did a quick search for him, he does seem to have a high presence across social media on all platforms. He maybe the genuine article, I don't know. If via the free YouTube channel you find him helpful then that is ok, he does this as a business, and from what I have seen, he has a lot of paid subscription services. My cynical side says "avoid" paying.

As always I wish you well 🍀

Jpdee75 profile image
Jpdee75 in reply to Pairofboots

This is a living nightmare it’s like I can deal with the memory issues confusion and all the rest but the tiredness is ripping my life apart from the inside out. Got a blood test today see if there’s another component. I’m gonna start swimming to up my exercise I know there’s gonna be a bit of boom and bust before I learn my limitations. I only do the free stuff on YouTube but I did get an audio book of dispenza called you are the placebo. It was fascinating. Meditation seems to be good for frame of mind so I’ll carry on when I can be bothered ha

Pairofboots profile image
Pairofboots in reply to Jpdee75

By all means, up your exercise with swimming, but be kind to yourself. You are not trying to win a race. Fatigue comes from the brain, not necessarily from the physical effort. It's good that you are being tested for other causes, things only need to be slightly off to have a big effect. The best thing is to avoid "boom and bust" as much as possible, we have all been there, and done it. Hitting the "bust" just extends the time needed to recover, and can be demoralising. Leaning to recognise what and when fatigue starts is half way to controlling it, rather than it controlling you. 🍀

Jowood29 profile image
Jowood29

Oh fatigue! I hate it, I feel like it’s a battle I shouldn’t be fighting against, I should be resting before it kicks in, but when you are having a good day and being productive, that’s the last thing you want to do, rest, so fatigue doesn’t get you later. In some ways I create my own fatigue. It does work having that rest often, to let your brain recharge. But I find it so difficult to judge this. If I can get one more thing done, finish a task or just push it a little more, I’ve achieved much. The first 3 years of my bi I slept a lot, if I didn’t the anxiety would take over, my speech wouldn’t function and the brain fog was terrible. Another 3 years on, I can function without the sleeps to a point, then a migraine will come and I am floored, I suppose only ourselves can monitor what’s going on, we do need to stop take notice and maybe be a little more gentle on ourselves and not see rest as a failure. This is a lesson I’m still learning.

Jpdee75 profile image
Jpdee75 in reply to Jowood29

Yeah I’m ment to be facing this problem head on to learn to adjust but , I can’t see myself ever fully excepting this. It hurts at the moment and although I’ve just got up reading these things about fatigue with bi all I want to do is go to sleep, a great response to my problem my god this is not fair

Jpdee75 profile image
Jpdee75

Thanks teynboy I will check out videos when I’m ready at moment I’m feeling a little overwhelmed.

Jpdee75 profile image
Jpdee75

I watched videos and they are very good I’m trying to get my head around it all at moment but I’m sure pointers like yours will help in long run, no pun intended lol. I won’t try to advise you on your struggle with fatigue today as we will both probably end up needing a fortnight of sleep. Thanks again

StaceM8 profile image
StaceM8

Hiya Jp, as I have mentioned so often on here & wish everyone would try it so they could all give U the same advice (I'm sure there are some people it wouldn't work for I guess, but well worth giving a go.... Anyway it's re the 20 minute 'power nap', a total game changer for me & so many others.Have a look at my previous posts & it will explain more fully. Hopefully it will work for u too.

Stace

Jpdee75 profile image
Jpdee75 in reply to StaceM8

I will definitely try it just got to be strict as I find it so easy for it to turn in to an hour or 2 power nap

StaceM8 profile image
StaceM8 in reply to Jpdee75

If, as I say, you drink a glass / pint of water before U have your nap, you have t get up cos U need to go to toilet & by the time U have finished, you'll feel refreshed enough (hopefully) t go on with your day ;o)

If by some chance you do wake up, U don't need the toilet & just can't get yourself up, reset the alarm for 20 minutes & have another nap (as I explain 20 mins (well, less than 26 is quite important)

Stace (what was your name btw Jp ???

Jpdee75 profile image
Jpdee75 in reply to StaceM8

My name is John Paul nice to speak Stace and I will try it and hopefully I don’t piss myself lol. Btw I got no advice but I would join your dating site

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