With such a fast paced modern world, everyday stressors can cause us to become overworked and burnt out pretty quickly. We put in a ton of hours at the office, keep a household running, attempt to maintain an exercise regimen, and it truly takes a toll.
But when is that run down feeling actually more than just sluggishness? How do you know if you are just succumbing to the common hassles of life or if there is actually something more serious going on?
It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference, but it is important to know whether or not you are actually suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which affects more than one million Americans.
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
While Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a tricky disease to understand, it is a very real thing. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is “a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that can’t be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue may worsen with physical or mental activity, but doesn’t improve with rest.”
So what separates Chronic Fatigue Syndrome from common tiredness is the fact that you still feel extremely sluggish no matter the amount of rest you receive. If this sounds like you, then the following symptoms may be something that you are familiar with.
Symptoms
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has been known to include the following symptoms.
- Extreme tiredness that has lasted for over 6 months, not improving with rest
- Forgetfulness and difficulty focusing
- Muscle and joint pain
- Fevers and sore throat
- Major headaches
- Uneasy feeling after physical activity
It is also important to keep in mind that symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty focusing, and persistent aches and pains are also found in patients dealing with depression. So, if you feel as if you may have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, you should definitely see a doctor to make sure that you aren’t dealing with an even larger issue.
Lifestyle Changes
If after seeing your doctor you discover that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is indeed what you are suffering from, there a few lifestyle changes that could help you keep symptoms at bay.
Reducing the amount of stress that you expose yourself to is vital in order to combat challenges of CFS. This includes both extreme emotional and physical stress, and by keeping your mind and body calm you will reduce your risk of even more fatigue. Try taking up a relaxing hobby such as meditation or gardening with safer organic products.
Providing your body with consistent rest and limiting your intake of caffeine is also important when altering your lifestyle to improve your Chronic Fatigue symptoms. While these natural “remedies” may work well for some, others may need to take a different, more medical approach.
Treatments
Medical treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome tends to be focused on symptom relief. Many patients are treated with either anti-depressants or sleeping pills, or even a combination of both in order to improve their well being.
Depending on your symptoms, therapy is also an approach that many take in treating CFS. You may find it helpful to speak to a counselor or try some light exercise and stretching. Both have shown to improve complications associated with chronic fatigue.
There is Help
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and its symptoms can really throw a curve-ball into your life. Everyday tasks become much harder to complete and your body physically suffers from perpetual tiredness, it’s not easy.
Just remember that there are tools and options available to you. Doctors specializing in CFS can help get you on the right track to tackle your symptoms, and simple lifestyle changes can make a huge difference as well.
At the end of the day, simply listen to your body in order to get the help that you need.
Image: Jonathan Kos-Read
