Trauma can manifest in a number of ways, and one way is through fatigue. So why is everyone so exhausted all the time when, at least according to our own estimates, we’re getting plenty of sleep?
Chronic Fatigue Is More Than Just Being Tired
Chronic fatigue isn’t just being tired. It is an unexplained state of tiredness that does not improve with rest. People with chronic fatigue feel persistent fatigue so severe that they can’t concentrate. They may experience difficulty performing everyday activities or tire more readily. And yet, even after a long night’s sleep, they may wake up feeling as tired as when they went to bed. This kind of fatigue can be linked to trauma. Trauma can affect how our bodies function, leading to a state of perpetual tiredness.
Hypervigilance: Always on Alert
One key point to realize is the state of hypervigilance. Hypervigilance is a normal response to trauma. It is about being more alert. This may show up as always being on alert to find and avoid danger (or potential attacks). This response could be life-saving in a fear-inducing situation, but over the long term, it can become excessive. Being on the alert for danger uses energy, and, of course, it is tiring, just as any effort that uses up energy must be.
The Autonomic Nervous System: Control Center of Your Body
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is involved in this process. The ANS is your body’s control tower, with two main components: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Sympathetic Nervous System: The Gas Pedal: Picture the gas pedal in a car. It gets you ready for action. When you’re under threat, the sympathetic nervous system springs into action, causing your heart to race and your breathing to become rapid, as well as sending your muscles into a state of tension. This is the “fight, flight, or freeze” reaction, throwing your body into chronic hyperarousal that it never really has a chance to recover from.
Parasympathetic Nervous System: The Brake. It is responsible for rest-and-digest operations. This system helps lower our heart rate and calm our bodies when we are relaxed. But when a person is undergoing trauma, the parasympathetic system itself can fail to work. If the gas pedal is stuck and the brake won’t work, it can result in what feels like chronic exhaustion — as the body works to maintain balance.
The Impact of Trauma on Energy
Trauma puts one in a state of continuous stress that disrupts the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, thus hastening the use of energy. Simply speaking, stress eats up energy. In this way, feelings of mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion could result. This exhaustion may develop in one’s daily life. A student, for example, may find it difficult to stay attentive in class or feel overwhelmed by simple tasks such as homework. Or an employee might find it challenging to complete the work. Over time, this can lead to fatigue and chronic exhaustion.
Manifestations of Trauma-Induced Fatigue
There are manifestations of trauma-induced fatigue that can show up in various ways:
Mental Fatigue: Difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions.
Emotional Exhaustion: Feeling overwhelmed, irritable, or numb.
Physical exhaustion: Feeling tired all the time, even after sleeping.
All these levels of exhaustion can combine, leaving a person unable to function to the best of their ability and affecting everyday life. One might find it hard to keep up with schoolwork or the demands of a job, hang out with friends, or even execute simple tasks like getting dressed.
Steps for Relief
So many people live with trauma-induced fatigue every day without knowing it is, in a way, linked to things that happened in the past. Day-to-day trauma fatigue can remain camouflaged and, sadly, not everyone knows what they can do to reduce it. There are some basic tactics that help us keep the mind and body in check, making it easier to control symptoms.
Exercise: Get moving to help release some of that tension and energy. One of the best ways to work out pent-up energy and stress is to boost energy. Taking a short walk or doing some stretching can even help. Regular exercise can help quiet the nervous system and even restore balance in some cases.
Little Breaks: Giving yourself little breaks throughout the day to refresh and reset can really do good. Breaks may help people take stock and recharge.
Mindfulness: Focus on your breath and your body to calm down.
Self-Care: Engaging in activities that bring you joy and help you relax, such as reading, listening to music, or spending time with family or friends.
When to Seek Professional Help
But a lot of people will reach the point where they can no longer manage their symptoms alone. Knowing when it’s time to get help is absolutely critical for healing. Self-help techniques can be effective, but they aren’t a cure-all. Seeing a therapist like those from Arbor Wellness in Las Vegas can be very helpful for dealing with this tiredness, if caused by trauma.
Arbor Wellness: Specialized Care for Trauma-Induced FatigueAt Arbor Wellness, we understand that trauma can lead to very complex fatigue, and this kind of symptom can significantly affect an individual’s quality of life. Our clinicians are well-experienced in providing trauma-informed care to help the person recover energy and reclaim their wellness.
This is typically achieved through evidence-based treatments such as trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which helps individuals alter negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with their traumatic experiences. We work in close collaboration with the patient to uncover the underlying causes of their fatigue, develop coping strategies, and build a sense of empowerment and resilience. This cycle of chronic exhaustion can be broken by treating the trauma so that our clients can regain their energy and live their lives fully.
Moreover, seeking professional help is essential, period. One does not have to go through things alone; help is available, and taking that first step makes a big difference. At Arbor Wellness, the staff stands ready to support people in their healing journey. Focusing on trauma’s root causes at the clinic can enable more profound healing.
Trauma is something that can hugely impact someone’s life, specifically with feelings of tiredness and exhaustion. Knowing about chronic fatigue, hypervigilance, and the workings of the ANS can help people link their experiences like this to feelings of tiredness. The symptoms of trauma-induced fatigue may cause difficulties in daily life, but activities such as practicing or taking time-outs can regulate energy.
It is very important to receive professional treatment. Places like Arbor Wellness can provide knowledge and treatments that may lead people toward healing. If you have experienced trauma and are feeling fatigued, either yourself or for someone close to you – reach out and see if recovery can be possible. Well, you’re not alone, and there is hope for a future that includes more energy and radiance. Keep in mind that taking a step by asking for assistance can make a big difference in your life.
Sources:
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