Right now, you are (very) tired… and also a little depressed. But how can you tell the difference between temporary fatigue and real depression? Psychologist Pascal Anger shares with us some key signs to spot.
Mental fatigue or depression: how to distinguish them?
Between the files piling up and managing your social life, you are exhausted. You forget important details, struggle to get a full night’s sleep, and function like a rusty, automatic, tired robot. A rather banal mental overload… as long as this lack of energy does not last forever. It is in fact necessary – and normally possible in the event of simple fatigue – to bounce back quickly.
“Mental fatigue manifests itself through difficulty concentrating, a feeling of being in a fog, irritability and impatience, as well as a loss of temporal reference points. We can feel amorphous, withdrawn, in a state of withdrawal. It can be caused by lack of sleep, overload or excess work. But to recover, it is important to quickly adopt a better lifestyle,” underlines Pascal Anger.
Depression, on the other hand, tends to take hold over the long term. Much more severe than a simple temporary “slump”, it manifests itself through persistent symptoms which profoundly affect daily life: intense sadness, feeling of failure, low self-esteem…
“Depression is characterized by symptoms that do not disappear with rest or vacation. It results in sadness, mood disorders, sleep disturbances, a reduction in appetite and libido, as well as dark, even suicidal thoughts. In these cases, it is essential to consult your doctor and, if necessary, a psychiatrist. affirms the practitioner.
In this context, reviewing your lifestyle and asking yourself questions is crucial: how long has this discomfort persisted? Is it linked to bereavement, unemployment, stress, work overload or lack of rest?
“These questions are worth asking because depression is often multifactorial: it can involve genetic, environmental or biological factors. Some forms are also chronic (lack of sunlight) and others can plunge into a state of intense sadness, or even a form of despair.“, the expert further specifies.
Can severe fatigue lead to depression?
While it is important to distinguish simple fatigue from depression, a prolonged drop in energy can also develop into this illness, indicates the psychologist.
“This is why it is important to take mental fatigue into consideration and act at the first signs. Taking regular breaks from work, listening to music, meditating, breathing, oxygenating the brain, limiting late-night screen time and enjoying the sun are all concrete actions that can help you recharge your batteries. It is also necessary to express one’s feelings and to stay in touch with the world and others“, advises Pascal Anger.
Marked social isolation (you feel far away from everyone or you are no longer able to be in contact with your peers) and a lack of humor (difficulty taking a step back from your own situation, your daily life) are also significant signs that should alert you. “This being said, mental fatigue is more easily identifiable than depression, which remains more insidious due to its multifactorial nature.“, underlines the specialist.
Either way, managing these states requires listening carefully to yourself.
“The line between mental fatigue and depression can be thin. It is up to each person to evaluate their situation, taking into account the observations of those close to them, such as signs of persistent fatigue or irritability (“I have the impression that you are always tired”…). This feedback is often valuable indicators for questioning yourself and seeking help”,
concludes the practitioner.