Is Persistent Fatigue and Sadness Dangerous? When Should You See a Psychologist? | Safe and Sound

If the feeling of fatigue and depression only lasts for 1-2 days, it may be a normal reaction to stress. However, when the feeling of fatigue and loss of motivation lasts for 1-2 weeks without any signs of improvement, it may be a warning about mental health that you should not ignore. So is prolonged fatigue and depression really dangerous? When do you need to see a psychologist for support? Let's find out in the article below.

Phi Thuy Linh | Bachelor of Public Health – Mental Health Care Application Safe and Sound

Institute of Medical Technology Applications

1. Is prolonged fatigue and depression dangerous?

Depression and prolonged fatigue affect both mind, body and life.

Prolonged depression and fatigue not only affect mental health but can also cause many serious consequences to life and physical health. If this condition is not controlled promptly, the sufferer is at high risk of problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, exhaustion or even negative thoughts about life.

1.1. Impact on mental health

Increased risk of psychological disorders : Prolonged sadness can be an early sign of depression or anxiety disorders. or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People with this condition often tend to think negatively, lose motivation and have difficulty controlling emotions. If left untreated, this condition can become more serious, psychologists share.

Reduced emotional control : When depression persists, you may feel irritable, sad, or lose interest in activities you previously enjoyed. This can seriously affect your social relationships, especially with family, friends, and coworkers.

Increased feelings of isolation : People who are chronically depressed tend to withdraw, avoid communication and gradually feel lonely. Losing connection with those around them can make this condition worse, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to escape.

Risk of negative thoughts about yourself and life : If not intervened early, depression can lead to pessimistic thoughts about the future, feelings of hopelessness and even thoughts of self-harm. This is an extremely dangerous sign and requires immediate support from a psychological professional.

1.2. Impact on physical health

Not only affecting psychology, prolonged fatigue and depression also have negative impacts on physical health:

Sleep disorders : When your mood is unstable, your sleep is also affected. You may experience prolonged insomnia, light sleep or conversely, sleep too much but still feel tired.

Reduced energy and immunity : Your body may feel sluggish and lifeless even without overworking. This weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness.

Digestive problems : Prolonged stress and fatigue can disrupt digestive function, causing stomach pain, bloating or eating disorders such as anorexia or overeating.

Chronic Body Aches and Pains : Some people may experience symptoms of headaches, muscle aches, back pain or blood pressure problems as a result of chronic fatigue.

1.3. Impact on work and life

When you are tired and depressed for a long time, you not only feel exhausted but also have many difficulties in work and daily life:

Decreased work performance : Difficulty concentrating, memory loss and loss of motivation are common symptoms. You may make mistakes at work, have reduced creativity and lose interest in your career.

Prolonged fatigue makes it difficult to concentrate.

Difficulty in making decisions : When your mind is not clear, making decisions becomes more difficult. You may feel confused and hesitant even with simple choices.

Impact on personal relationships : Prolonged fatigue and depression can make you easily distance yourself from family and friends or become irritable in communication. This can cause cracks in important relationships in life.

Reduced quality of life : You may lose joy in everyday activities, feeling that life has become dull and meaningless.

In general, feeling depressed and tired for a long time despite your efforts to improve it is not a normal state that you can ignore. If you notice these signs in yourself or a loved one, consider seeking support from a mental health professional to improve your mental health and regain balance in your life.

2. When should I see a psychologist?

Many people may think that feeling depressed or tired is just a temporary feeling that will go away on its own. However, if this condition persists, it is necessary to seek timely support from a psychologist.

2.1. Signs you need to see a psychologist

You should see a psychologist if you have one or more of the following signs:

Feeling depressed for more than two weeks : If sadness and loss of interest in life persist for more than two weeks without any signs of improvement, it could be a sign of a mental disorder.
Unexplained fatigue : Feeling exhausted and unmotivated despite adequate rest.
Difficulty controlling emotions : Easily irritable, angry, sad, or feeling hopeless.
Sleep disorders : Insomnia, difficulty falling asleep or sleeping too much.
Decreased concentration, memory loss : Affects work and study.
Having negative thoughts about yourself and life : If you have thoughts of harming yourself or feel like life has no meaning, this is a serious sign that requires immediate support from a mental health professional.

2.2. Benefits of seeing a psychologist

Seeing a psychologist will not only help you improve your current situation, but also help find the root cause and effective solutions.

Identify the cause : A psychologist will help you identify the cause of your chronic fatigue.
Tips for improvement : Therapy techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you control your emotions and change negative thinking.
Improve mental health : Helps you regain motivation, balance emotions and cope with stress better.

3. Ways to help improve the state of prolonged fatigue and depression

In addition to seeing a psychologist, you can also apply some of the following ways to improve your mental health:

3.1. Establish healthy living habits

Get enough sleep : Maintain a regular sleeping routine, ensuring 7-8 hours of sleep every day.
Reasonable diet : Limit fast food, alcohol, and caffeine. Supplement foods rich in omega-3, vitamin B, and magnesium to help improve mood.
Exercise regularly : Exercise helps the body produce endorphins – hormones that help reduce stress and increase feelings of happiness.

3.2. Stress control

Meditation and yoga : Helps calm the mind, control anxiety and reduce stress.
Journaling : Recording your feelings and thoughts helps you better identify and control negative states.
Talk to loved ones : Sharing your feelings with loved ones helps relieve stress and find support.

3.3. Stay away from negative factors

Limit excessive social media use : Avoid overexposure to negative information.
Build a positive living environment : Arranging your working and living space neatly and tidily helps improve your mood.

Prolonged fatigue and depression not only affect your health but also negatively impact your work, relationships and quality of life. Early recognition of the signs and seeking support from a psychologist will help you better control this condition. If you or a loved one is experiencing the above symptoms, do not hesitate to seek help from a psychologist for timely support. A healthy lifestyle, good stress management and guidance from a psychologist will help you regain balance and joy in life.

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