Have you ever wondered if what you're feeling could mean something more? In medicine, we diagnose by coming up with a differential evaluative list of potential diagnoses that could explain the patient's symptoms. This list is created by looking at those that have overlapping symptoms, and then picking the one that best fits the complete picture. Sometimes, this can mean more than one diagnosis at the same time.
The root cause of our symptoms may not be obvious. Mental health conditions, especially depression and anxiety, can often be masked as other symptoms. This is due, in large part, to the social stigma around mental health, as well as the many other diagnoses that overlap with depression and anxiety. However, they are more common than you think.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may be a good idea to take a closer look.
FATIGUE
More often than not, patients chalk up fatigue to a normal part of aging or just being an adult with responsibilities. It’s also true that the landscape of the world has changed; the digital world has expanded substantially, leaving us too accessible and stimulated by electronic lighting, opening up new ways to feel fatigued that were not possible a decade ago. When push comes to shove, people adapt to the "new normal." It’s quite possible that those of you who are feeling fatigued are used to feeling this way, so it’s become something you just continue to deal with.
While “fatigue” is often talked about in the physical sense, there's mental and emotional fatigue as well. This type of fatigue often impacts physical fatigue, and they can even be confused for one another. Anxiety often causes mental and emotional fatigue due to the energy drain of constantly being on edge or using brain power thinking about a multitude of unknowns or "what ifs." Depression can cause an overall low sensation throughout the mind and body, and is often not resolved unless both are nourished.
Despite common belief, being tired all the time doesn’t have to be something that becomes inevitable with age. There are ways to thrive as you get older, both physically and mentally/emotionally.
LOW MOTIVATION
Life can be quite mundane when you're stuck on a hamster wheel of daily tasks—wake up, go to work, eat, sleep, and repeat. While low motivation and fatigue often go hand-in-hand, there are subtle differences.
When you are unable to bring yourself to do the things you once enjoyed, or it becomes a struggle to do things you know need to get done, this can be a sign of depression. It’s quite easy to feel that there's just not enough time, when, in fact, a lot of it is often wasted scrolling through social media, watching TV and movies, or generally distracting ourselves from the real issues.
If you find it difficult to get out of bed despite a good night's sleep, or find yourself withdrawing from things you would typically engage in (both professionally and personally), it may be time to investigate further.
BRAIN FOG
A loss of focus, concentration, and memory can be difficult to manage. Poor sleep is a big contributor to these symptoms because sleep is where the brain restores itself and recovers. However, mental health issues can also cause these symptoms (as well as poor sleep itself).
Brain fog is linked to mental and emotional fatigue. Both anxiety and depression can take a toll on the brain and lead to suboptimal functioning. Whether you're finding it increasingly difficult to meet deadlines, remember events, or be productive, these symptoms are often a sign from your body that it needs some help.
LOW LIBIDO
Sexual health, like mental health, is another topic that has a huge stigma surrounding it—especially for females. It’s an important thing to talk about, however, especially when it comes to mental and emotional health.
Humans are a social species and are meant to develop connections with one another in order to thrive. The type of connection needed varies between individuals, but those who require physical touch can find a lot of healing in sexual connection. It’s important to note that low libido, in itself, is not pathological if sex isn’t something that an individual finds joy in (e.g., for those who are asexual or who have been through trauma).
But for individuals who would otherwise seek out and enjoy sex, low libido can be a sign of mental health concerns. When the mind and body experience stress (either physically, mentally, or emotionally), it directs resources to basic functions to help sustain life. It would be more important to direct resources to your lungs to maintain breathing patterns, for example, versus improving your libido.
CHRONIC PAIN
Chronic pain is a perfect example of how our physical and mental/emotional health are intimately entwined. While chronic pain is deemed a physical symptom, research strongly suggests that mental and emotional health can influence the way we experience physical pain.
It’s common for depression and anxiety to coincide with chronic pain. Individuals who suffer from chronic pain often experience drastic changes in their life, including those around:
- lifestyle
- functionality
- mobility
- social circles
- relationships
- jobs
- living situation
- financial outlook
For these individuals, it's just as crucial to tend to their mental and emotional well-being, as it is to their physical well-being.
It's important to get a thorough assessment when it comes to your health. While the above symptoms can be linked to a mental health concern, they can also be linked to nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalances, and inflammation. Your concerns are valid, and you deserve to feel heard by your healthcare professionals.
Despite increasing evidence that a large portion of the population experiences mental health concerns, there remains a substantial stigma around mental health.
It’s common to underplay symptoms and for patients to convince themselves that this is the way things are supposed to be. We adapt to survive—so we adjust to a "new normal." However, just because you can, doesn't mean you should.
Right now, you may have no idea how good you could feel in your own body and mind. A holistic approach to health means that you can get to your true potential. Stop settling for less and give your mental health the attention it deserves, and always remember you’re not alone.
