What Tired and Fatigued Really Mean to the Chronically Ill

"A person who is tired or fatigued feels better if he or she gets several good nights' sleep. By contrast, if I sleep eight hours, days in a row, I'm still tired and fatigued. It goes with my illness."

"Fatigue is accompanied by a serious lack of stamina. This means that activities that others can engage in for hours—socializing comes to mind—take their toll on us after only a short time, perhaps 30 minutes or even less."

"Some of these activities are 'have to's,' such as doctor appointments. When we find ourselves in situations where we cannot stop and lie down, we are forced to use adrenaline to get us through."

Chronic illness fatigue is distinctly different from ordinary tiredness—rest and sleep cannot resolve it. People with chronic conditions often lack stamina, becoming exhausted after brief activities like socializing or attending appointments. When unable to rest, they rely on adrenaline to function, which creates negative payback effects. This ongoing fatigue takes a substantial mental toll on the chronically ill. The author, a long-hauler who has been ill for 25 years, emphasizes that equanimity—maintaining emotional balance and acceptance—is essential for living well with chronic illness. Understanding these distinctions helps others recognize the genuine challenges faced by the chronically ill.

Read at Psychology Today