[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/10\/fatigue-and-depression\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/10\/fatigue-and-depression\/","headline":"Fatigue and Depression: When Is Tiredness a Warning Sign?","name":"Fatigue and Depression: When Is Tiredness a Warning Sign?","description":"Your meta description should be 160 characters or less, include the target keyword(s), and accurately describe your story in a way that entices readers to click. Note: Do not include quotation marks, as these trigger truncation. \r\n\r\nExample: \"Thanks to social media, it's easier than ever to advertise your content. But is it worth it? Discover why three online advertising experts say yes.\"","datePublished":"2020-10-26","dateModified":"2022-01-10","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/behavioral-health-regions","name":"UPMC Western Behavioral Health","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/behavioral-health-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/behavioral-health\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/iStock-1187591660_TYPE.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/iStock-1187591660_TYPE.jpg","height":324,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/10\/fatigue-and-depression\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z","Mental Health"],"wordCount":503,"keywords":["depression","fatigue"],"articleBody":"Sleep is an important part of overall health, but for many, it does not come easily. Millions of Americans report feeling fatigue \u2014 a feeling of tiredness or exhaustion.Many different factors, ranging from poor sleep to health conditions, can cause fatigue. It’s also a common symptom of mental health conditions, such as depression.Being fatigued doesn’t mean you’re depressed, but fatigue can be a warning sign. Learn more about the link between the conditions.What Is Fatigue?Fatigue is a long-lasting lack of energy or motivation.It’s common to feel tired after not getting enough sleep, but fatigue is something more serious. It can last weeks or longer. In addition to feeling tired, you may not have the interest or energy to perform tasks.The causes of fatigue include:Depression or griefSleep disordersMedicationsDrugs or alcoholOveractive or underactive thyroidMedical conditions (cancer, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, diabetes, etc.)Chronic painAnemia or iron deficiencyDepression and FatigueDepression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States. About 1 in 4 American women and 1 in 10 American men will deal with depression at some time in their lives.Although many people deal with sadness or grief, depression can cause those feelings over a long period of time \u2014 typically two weeks or longer. Depression also can affect your interest in or your ability to perform everyday tasks.Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of depression. There can be physical effects (lack of energy), emotional effects (apathy), and cognitive effects (difficulty concentrating).However, the two aren’t always linked. It’s possible to be fatigued without being depressed, and it’s possible to be depressed without being fatigued. Fatigue and depression also could be symptoms of a medical condition like cancer, or side effects of medication.When Should I Talk to My Doctor About Fatigue?It’s normal to feel fatigued from time to time. However, if that feeling lasts for two weeks or more, or it affects your daily life, you should contact your doctor.Because fatigue can come from many causes, you should pay attention to any other symptoms you’re feeling. If your tiredness is associated with other symptoms of depression, you should talk to your doctor to see if you have a depressive disorder.Other warning signs of depression include:Persistent grief or sadnessFeeling hopeless or helplessAnger or irritabilityLosing interest in activitiesDifferent eating habitsLow energyConcentration problemsPhysical painSuicidal thoughtsFor more information about different mental health conditions, including depression, call UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital at 1-877-624-4100 or 412-624-1000.SourcesHoward LeWine, M.D. When should you worry about fatigue?. Harvard Health Publishing. Melinda Smith, M.A., Lawrence Robinson, and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D.. Depression Symptoms and Warning Signs. HelpGuide. Fatigue \u2013 You're More Than Just Tired. National Safety Council. Steven D. Targum, MD, and Maurizio Fava, MD. Fatigue as a Residual Symptom of Depression. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Fatigue. MedlinePlus. 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