Anxiety and fatigue can occur together. Anxiety can be a natural response to stress and is sometimes beneficial. However, having anxiety all the time can lead to symptoms such as persistent fatigue.
While the link between anxiety and fatigue is not always clear, lifestyle changes, therapy, and medications can help a person manage these conditions.
This article explains the link between anxiety and fatigue, how to manage both, and when to seek help.
It is natural to feel anxiety at times. Many people worry about finances, work, school, and family. However, anxiety can become persistent or overwhelming and may appear to happen for no apparent reason.
If someone frequently lives in a state of fear and dread, they
Anxiety can be physically and mentally draining. It can cause symptoms such as:
- difficulty concentrating
- agitation or restlessness
- fatigue
- stomach aches, muscle aches, or headaches
- difficulty falling or staying asleep
People with panic disorder, a type of anxiety disorder, may also experience panic attacks. Panic attacks may leave a person feeling physically drained from the intense physical symptoms.
A person with fatigue due to anxiety may also experience other symptoms of anxiety. These can include persistent feelings of worry, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating.
If a person is experiencing these symptoms, particularly after times of feeling heightened levels of stress or worry, their fatigue may be due to anxiety.
However, it’s important to consider other causes of fatigue beyond anxiety, such as:
- lack of sleep
- anemia (low red blood cells)
- COVID-19
- heart disease
- viral infection
- strenuous exercise
- certain medications
- unhealthful diet
- depression
- chronic fatigue syndrome
- cancer
Potential causes of fatigue vary in severity. People should speak with a doctor for a diagnosis if they experience fatigue alongside other symptoms with no clear cause.
People may be able to relieve fatigue due to anxiety by managing their anxiety and employing lifestyle changes to increase energy levels.
Regular exercise
Regular exercise can be an
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages people to get at least
Diet changes
Eating a balanced diet that contains lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains helps meet nutritional needs and sustain energy throughout the day.
If a person is experiencing anxiety symptoms, they may benefit from reducing stimulants such as caffeine, which may
Get enough sleep
Having anxiety can cause restlessness and difficulty sleeping, which may affect fatigue throughout the day. The
- Set a regular sleeping routine.
- Keep the bedroom quiet and at a cool temperature.
- Avoid large meals and alcohol (if applicable) close to bedtime.
- Limit screen time before bed.
Experts recommend getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT can help an individual with anxiety to learn alternative ways of reacting, thinking, and behaving in certain situations.
Developing these new habits may help people reduce anxiety levels, which in turn may relieve symptoms such as fatigue.
Medication
Sometimes, a person may benefit from medication
Seeking advice from a professional can be helpful if a person experiences ongoing anxiety. Talking with a healthcare professional is especially important if anxiety or fatigue interferes with a person’s daily life.
A healthcare professional can check for other possible underlying causes of fatigue by performing a physical assessment, reviewing current medications, and possibly ordering lab tests.
Once the healthcare professional diagnoses the cause of fatigue, they can suggest a treatment plan to help relieve a person’s symptoms.
If the person has been taking medication for anxiety and has not found relief, they should let their doctor know so they can discuss any adjustments to their treatment plan.
A person may experience anxiety and fatigue together. Fatigue is a potential symptom of some anxiety disorders. Other symptoms of anxiety disorders may also cause someone to feel physically or mentally drained.
Fatigue can also occur due to other factors, such as lack of sleep, an underlying medical condition, or not having access to the right types of food.
A person can speak with a healthcare professional to learn whether their fatigue is due to anxiety or another cause. Management strategies and medication to treat anxiety may help relieve fatigue and other related symptoms.