Mail box replies

The question was submitted 01/02/2008

Subject: Always Tired

Hi, I was just woundering about my energy level's, I always seem to be tired. I sleep around 8-7 hours a night, most friday nights I'll go to bed and sleep for approx 28 hours - I wake up sometimes but i feel so tired i just fall back asleep - I sleep in a room with aircon always on.
On average i ussually don't have breakfast at home - I normmaly wait till lunchtime and have a cup of hot chips with gravy .. then i wont eat again till later on that night - ussually something like pizza - or noodles or something.
I am 18 years of age, i weigh about 80 k/g? .. Most times i just ignore everything and play on the computer or just do nothing.
How can i fix?

Answer from DepNet

Hello and thankyou for taking the time to write to us.


Feeling well and energetic is a function of many things, the basics include general lifestyle habits. While depression may (or may not) be part of your presenting issue, there are some wonderfully easy things which you can do to releive yourself of your tiredness and to feel more energetic in your life.


These might - and probably should - include:

1. having adequate sleep in restful surroundings, waking at the same time each day, and avoiding daytime napping;

2. having a daily routine - upon waking, having a plan for your day, with small goals, so that you can feel motivated to participate and feel positive about your achievements;

3. eating well - perhaps consulting your GP and/or a dietician may help with planning a varied diet, that is nutritious and appropriate for your required energy levels;

4. exercising daily - even 20-30 minutes of gentle walking can help to create energy and give us a feeling of well being;

5. spending time outside in the sunshine and nature - this helps our body to recognise the normal sleep-wake cycle, and connects us the energy in the world around us;

6. connecting with people - in a relaxed social way, can help us to feel better, provide an opportunity to share with people, participate in new activities, or learn new skills.

7. speaking to your GP about your feelings, if you feel depression and/or anxiety are part of your problem. They are trained to help recognise depression and anxiety (feeling tired and withdrawing from social settings can be a feature of both). They will almost certainly be able to help you to implement some of the suggestions above. Sharing your email and this response, may be helpful in introducing th topic.


All the best.

The answer was published on DepNet 04/02/2008