Severe Chronic Fatigue Ruining Life!

[Zheshi]

Hi guys,

I have been struggling with fatigue for the past 7 years. I first noticed it following a minor cold virus. This fatigue has gradually gotten worse and worse over time. In the beginning it was manageable, just kind of annoying, but every couple months it gets a little bit worse. Now, 7 years later, it has completely taken over my life. My current symptoms include severe chronic fatigue from the moment I wake up to the moment I fall asleep at night, now feeling pretty numb emotionally and even physically, low sex drive, no drive/motivation due to being so tired, no passion for things I enjoy, it has become very easy to feel intoxicated after drinking minimal alcohol, I typically fall asleep very easily most nights, I have been less and less interested in friendships/relationships.

I have had practically every sort of medical test possible done. From heart/chest scans, full blood panels, urinary exams, every vitamin has been measured and everything has come back negative. Vitamin B12 is good, vitamin D, testosterone, etc. Doctor said she thinks it could be down to anxiety, depression, and/or possibly a sleep disorder. I’ve never felt depressed so I don’t think it’s depression, this whole ordeal has given some amount of anxiety (and I had a bit of general anxiety when I was younger) but I still don’t think that’s it. I am currently taking Zoloft per my request because I don’t really have any other options at this point. I have been on it for 6 weeks and have noticed 0 change. I am currently on 75 mg. With regard to sleep tests, I’ve researched many sleep issues including sleep apnea, night terrors, narcolepsy, etc. The only thing I have in common with most of them is chronic fatigue. I don’t suffer from insomnia, I don’t snore, I’m not overweight at all. I am a 23 year old otherwise healthy male.

Any feedback/thoughts are greatly appreciated.

[Cipher]

Do you sleep on your own or do you have someone sleeping in the same room as you?

Did your family notice anything when you were on holiday and sleeping together about your breathing ? One cause for fatigue could be sleep apnea, troubles breathing properly when sleeping, so your brain doesn't get enough oxygen and you feel exhausted instead of rested. It is one thing worth looking into.

As for depression, people really confuse this a lot. There is being depressed, which 100% of the population experience at some point in their lives, and then suffering from depression, which is basically feeling the way you are feeling without really a cause for it. You're disinterested in most things, have little to no fun or joy, fatigue is also a symptom. It is a chemical imbalance in your brain. Though a lot of people put "being sad and having a bad time" on depression but its not the same as suffering from depression.

Your fatigue could be caused by other things too, sleeping habits (is your mattress good for you) or your pillow giving you enough support to not be tense throughout the night. Are you sleeping on your back/side or on your stomach.

What is your diet like? Is it balanced? Are you getting enough exercise? Etc.