Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary or dangerous event. There are many symptoms of PTSD, but one of the most common, yet often overlooked, is fatigue that goes beyond ordinary tiredness. Read on to learn more about symptoms and causes, types of fatigue and how to cope with it.

Common Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD symptoms usually begin within 3 months of the traumatic event. Sometimes they emerge later. PTSD is diagnosed when you have symptoms for longer than one month and they are severe enough to interfere with aspects of daily life, such as relationships and work. They also must not be related to medication, substance use or other illness. Here are some important symptoms [1]:

Physical

• Feeling very tired most of the time
• Trouble sleeping
• Racing heart, rapid breathing
• Sweating
• Severe headache if thinking of the event
• Smoking more, using alcohol or drugs, eating too much
• Lack of self-care (exercise, health care, safe sex)
• Ongoing medical issues get worse

Psychological

• Mental exhaustion
• Losing hope for the future
• Feeling detached
• Unable to concentrate or make decisions
• Startling easy at sudden noises
• Feeling on the alert constantly
• Having upsetting dreams and memories
• Avoiding people, places and things associated with the event

Emotional

• Feeling nervous, helpless, sad
• Feeling shocked, numb not able to feel love or joy
• Being irritable or having angry outbursts
• Easily upset or agitated
• Blaming yourself. Having negative views of yourself and the world
• Unable to trust others, getting into fights, or trying to control everything
• Withdrawn, feeling rejected or abandoned
• Feeling detached, not wanting intimacy

Fatigue and PTSD: Triggers and Causes

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) affects 2% of the US population and PTSD affects 4%. However in some studies, participants with PTSD were over 8 times more likely to report having CFS. While there are many more people with PTSD who don’t have CFS, the relationship between the two is striking.

The classic response to trauma thrusts the nervous system into a state of hyperalertness as part of the body’s “fight or flight” survival response.  For those with PTSD, the normal short-term response often becomes chronic hyperarousal over a longer timeframe. 

The body’s “stress hormone”, cortisol, is activated and affects the whole body, not just the brain. This leads to overload of both the body and mind with stress responses. The constant threat of danger and resulting stress disrupt sleep patterns, resulting in insomnia and nightmares. And it’s not just normal fatigue after a long day. It leaves you feeling perpetually drained. 

PTSD can also lead to depletion of important neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine which contribute to a sense of physical and emotional exhaustion. Coping with the symptoms listed earlier further intensifies the feeling of fatigue.

Types of PTSD Fatigue

Fatigue with PTSD is both physical and emotional.

Physical Fatigue: This is the tiredness that comes from physical exertion or lack of sleep due to PTSD-related nightmares and flashbacks disrupting normal deep sleep. As a result, the body never truly restores its energy leading to a vicious circle of exhaustion. Physical fatigue can be alleviated through rest and sleep, if only a way can be found to achieve this.

Emotional Fatigue: Very different from physical fatigue, this kind of fatigue is the result of the intense emotional and psychological toll that trauma takes on a person. It typically involves a deep tiredness that encompasses all aspects of a person’s life. Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and a general lack of motivation are pervasive and debilitating.

How PTSD Impacts Energy Levels and Sleep

Feeling extreme fatigue is no fun, no matter how you look at it. By definition, fatigue has a negative effect on energy levels. Not only does fatigue stem from PTSD, but it worsens other symptoms of all three types mentioned above.  Fatigue can also contribute to substance abuse. Some of the main impacts of extreme fatigue include:

• Poor physical health: Fatigue can feel like a bad flu that won’t go away. As well it increases your risk of illness and emotional pain as you are less resilient.

• Depression: Constant fatigue coupled with other PTSD symptoms makes it hard to do things that you enjoy. You may lose interest in pastimes or hobbies and not have the energy to socialize with others. As fatigue limits your daily activities, your mental health can severely suffer.

• Low productivity: Your work performance can be affected by fatigue as much as a bad flu or even being drunk. Your judgment is impaired, your motivation is reduced and you are at increased risk of injury.

How To Cope With Fatigue and PTSD

Coping with PTSD fatigue can be challenging, as the event causing the problem is typically outside of your control and may continue for a long time. Recognizing the need for self-care is a positive step and a key protective factor.

Here are some strategies to help cope with the systems of PTSD fatigue:

• Exercise: This is key to relieving stress, normalizing your daily routine and helping to regulate your sleep

• Eat a balanced diet: Maintaining a diet of healthy foods is important for managing fatigue and the energy depletion that accompanies PTSD fatigue.

• Take breaks: Taking time from work may be critical for rest and recovery.

• Disconnect from media: In crisis, persistent media coverage can be very intrusive and triggering. Having a timeout from social media and news can help you rest and recover.

• Maintain your routine: PTSD can disrupt your usual schedule. Maintaining a routine, or adopting a new one, can help people feel a sense of normalcy and control. This will also help you balance your sleep routines.

• Ask for help: Help is available from family, friends or neighbours or other organizations.

• Consult with your doctor: Your doctor is the best source of advice on medications or supplements that can help with fatigue.

Getting Professional Help in Utah

Treatment is available in Utah. Are you or a loved one looking for a compassionate space to heal from trauma or PTSD, other mental health issues or addictions? Our licensed trauma-informed professional therapists and counselors at Corner Canyon Health Centers can provide compassionate help using a range of therapeutic and holistic techniques.

Reach out to our Admissions team now at Corner Canyon. We’re in a peaceful setting bordered by the beautiful Wasatch Mountains.