What is Fatigue?
Fatigue is an all-consuming depletion of energy. Unlike tiredness or drowsiness, fatigue is neverending. When someone feels completely drained every single day without a break, they are fatigued.Despite sleeping well, people may still wake up feeling the same or even worse than they did before. It's like being put on mute. Everything runs in the background but the person who is fatigued is not present.
What is Tiredness?
Tiredness is something anybody feels, nearly every day. It is an expected feeling after certain activities or at the end of the day. Generally caused by lack of sleep. In cases of tiredness, it is easy to pinpoint the reason or cause.Warning signs of fatigue:
- Slow reflexes
- Lack of coordination
- Fidgeting
- Moodiness
- Lack of concentration
The difference between Fatigue VS Tiredness
| FATIGUE | TIREDNESS |
|---|---|
| Spaced out | More irritable |
| Brain fog | Less patient |
| Can't push through | Can get hyperactive |
| Can't do certain tasks at all | Restored through rest |
| Not restored through rest; might have underlying cause or symptom of something else | Showers can help you wake up; body still works |
| Gives the feeling of wading through quicksand | Expected after daily activities |
When we share with someone "I am fatigued," people would barely understand, but if you say "I am tired," they can relate. It's hurtful and invalidating when people compare Chronic Fatigue to just being tired. Next time when you are discussing your chronic fatigue and someone says "I'm tired too," simply remind them it may sound like the same thing but there is absolutely no comparison.
Source:- British Journal of Clinical Psychology- PubMed.com