How to Overcome Overwhelming Depression & Fatigue

Depression, when accompanied by fatigue, can be especially overwhelming. It is possible to overcome depression and fatigue, even when severe. The key is identifying any underlying medical problems, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Getting the support of others is also crucial when you have depression and fatigue.

Instructions

• 1

  Get your depression and fatigue assessed by a doctor. She should test for physical ailments and rule out the possibility that your problems are being caused by an underlying medical issue. If you do have a medical issue that can cause depression and fatigue, such as hypothyroidism, you'll be able to get it treated.

• 2

  Exercise every day. Exercise may be the last thing you feel like doing when you are suffering from overwhelming depression and fatigue, but according to a study done by the University of Edinburgh, it can be as effective as cognitive-behavioral therapy in reducing depression. Exercise at a moderate pace. Overdoing it can lead to increased fatigue.

• 3

  Improve your diet. A diet full of refined and sugary foods that are devoid of nutrition will contribute to depression and fatigue. Adding nutrients to your diet in the form of a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help your body fight both depression and fatigue.

• 4

  Seek therapy. Address the root cause of the depression so that you can begin to take steps to eliminate it. A form of therapy that is very effective for depression is cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you to change negative thought patterns.

• 5

  Find a support group. A support group can be a network of family and friends, or a formal group at a mental health clinic. It can even be a group of people in an online forum. When you are dealing with overwhelming depression and fatigue, being able to talk about it and gain the support of others is important.