For nearly two decades, women have sat with me in clinic seeking support for a whole range of health concerns. But, one common issue has been fatigue. A fatigue that doesn’t go away despite trying what seems like everything.
Energy has a constantly changing level in everyday life.
It’s just there.
Until it’s not.
When you don’t have enough energy to get you through the day, you really begin to think about your energy and how tired you are.
Energy is different for everyone.
My natural level of energy is what I consider average, with dips, troughs and the occasional surge. And, I’m happy there. But, I’ve also been through times when bone weary fatigue has seen me unable to move from the couch.
I know a woman whose natural energy level is constantly on high. Her walk is fast paced, she talks quickly, is always planning, never sitting. Being with her makes me exhausted.
I’ve put together a framework of the 5 faces of fatigue. You might see yourself in one, or in a combination of many. But, what I want you to recognise is that whatever level of fatigue you’re experiencing, it’s not sustainable for long. There’s a crash and burn on the horizon.
First, let’s talk about burnout
You’ve probably heard the word “burnout” when it comes to energy. It’s when your body can’t make enough energy to get you through everyday life. When severe, it’s difficult to get out of bed. Sometimes it’s called adrenal fatigue.
In the past, I’ve felt like this:
A lot of women do.
Burnout = a state of emotional and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged period of stress
The physical and emotional effects will always present in ways that are unique to you, but here are 5 of the most common profiles I see with women who are heading towards a health crisis, or who are already so low in energy they feel burnt out.
Some characteristics cross over the different faces of fatigue listed below, but all versions have an impact on physical, mental and emotion health. All of them are real.
The 5 faces of fatigue
1. The fatigued but driven woman
We all know a woman like this. Highly motivated. A woman who seems to have endless energy. A woman who makes you exhausted just listening to her or watching her move at a seemingly non-stop hectic pace all day.
There’s a saying – if you want something done, give it to a busy woman
- constantly active and soldiers on
- efficient while doing many things at once
- thrives in stressful situations
- doesn’t get hungry but grabs food along the way
- an early riser (at the gym at 5 a.m.) and late to bed (finishing off stuff)
- can’t get to sleep because of a racing mind and endless mind chatter
- agitated and anxious when things don’t go to plan
Phew!
2. The fatigued and overwhelmed woman
- the frantic multi-tasker
- the giver, often sacrificing her own needs
- eating irregularly and looking for quick energy fixes
- falling asleep but waking from 1-4 am to toss and turn, then dosing towards dawn
- waking feeling groggy and tired
- struggling with energy slumps through the day
- feeling irritable, moody, frustrated and sometimes aggressive
3. The fatigued and disconnected woman
- withdrawn, a constant feeling of unease
- has no energy or motivation, often teary
- sleeping too much or has light, broken sleep, tossing and turning
- struggling to concentrate and remember things
- has digestive upsets
- has no appetite but has unhealthy cravings
- a low libido
4. The fatigued and depleted woman
- exhausted with no motivation
- flat with depression and/or anxiety
- no libido – it left the building along with motivation
- brain fog with poor memory, concentration, loss of words
- dealing with chronic health issues and inflammation
- falling asleep during the daytime
- emotionally numb
5. The fatigued and dependent woman
- looking for ways to cope
- often self medicating with caffeine, alcohol, food or medications
- has addictive tendencies – physical and emotional
- experiencing anxiety or panic attacks
- dealing with chronic health conditions
- totally exhausted with very low energy
Where to next?
- Recognising where you are physically, emotionally and mentally is the first step. Look at the 5 faces of fatigue you see above for guidance.
- Be kind to yourself. You’re not alone or going crazy. If you ask around, many women are exactly where you’re at.
- Look at what’s causing you stress. Where can you create change? Outsource? Incorporate relaxation on a regular basis? Be mindful? Put aside time for caring for yourself?
- Reach out for help. You’ve landed at the perfect place. I can help with guidance and support, to sort through your symptoms and get to the bottom of how you got there. Let’s face it. If you could feel better by yourself, you would have already done that.
Your next steps:
- Book in for a 20 minute FREE discovery call with me to learn all about my Fatigue Solution program, especially designed for women fighting fatigue – Click here
- Download my 3 step meal formula for more energy – Click here
With your health in mind,
Catherine x
