The Many Side Effects And Risk Factors Of Chronic Fatigue
The most common side effect or symptom of Chronic Fatigue is of course a debilitating fatigue. Without help, it can control your life. However, in addition to fatigue, there are many side effects and risk factors of Chronic Fatigue.
Let’s take a look at some of the more common side effects and explore how you may be able to manage them.
Depression
Another common side effect of Chronic Fatigue is depression. This is understandable on many levels.
When a life is altered by an illness, depression is common. However, ongoing depression can have an extremely powerful effect on your life.
It can cause a number of problems including loss of friends, job, no sex drive and obesity.
It should be noted that while depression is an emotional reaction to Chronic Fatigue, it can also be part of the disease. When your body doesn’t feel rested and you’re extremely tired, depression can be a chemical reaction to the problem.
So it’s both emotional and chemical. This can make depression difficult to treat.
The best course of action if you’re dealing with depression as a side effect of Chronic Fatigue is to seek help.
Counseling and support groups can have a dramatic effect on your overall outlook so don’t neglect seeking medical help. Anti-depressants may help you get through this tough time in your life and get your life back on track.
Lifestyle restrictions
Let’s face it, if you cannot get out of bed your life is going to be seriously altered. You won’t be able to see friends or family. Your hobbies and passions will be set aside and you may feel helpless.
You may literally feel disabled. The good news is that with behavior counseling and modification, and with proper treatment, you can regain your life.
It may be a different life than you used to live but you won’t feel as restricted or disabled. This is why it’s so important to get an accurate diagnosis for Chronic Fatigue.
Until then, be sure to treat yourself well. Fuel your body with nutritious foods, ease back on fitness and undertake a moderate exercise program like walking or yoga, until you’re diagnosed and keep a journal to track behaviors and symptoms.
You may be able to pinpoint triggers and change your behaviors.
Medication.
You may also suffer side effects from medications used to treat Chronic Fatigue. It’s extremely important to have an open line of communication with your physician.
Use a journal or a log to track your side effects and educate yourself on the medications you’re using to treat symptoms.
Even minor medications like NSAIDs can cause stomach distress and headaches. Stay on top of your health and monitor your physical and emotional well being.
There are many side effects and risks of having Chronic Fatigue. The best course of action is two-fold. Surround yourself with knowledgeable and supportive people. Keep an open line of communication with your physicians and therapists.
And take control of your health. Track changes, symptoms, and emotions so you can create behaviors and habits that reduce triggers and symptoms. Be your own advocate.
Treatment options & management of Chronic Fatigue
If you suffer from Chronic Fatigue you may be discouraged to know that there is no known cure. A diagnosis does not mean the end of your life.
There are many treatment options and therapies available to manage your Chronic Fatigue. You may not be able to get rid of Chronic Fatigue but you can get your life back.
Here are five treatment options and Chronic Fatigue management strategies:
#1 Treat the symptoms.
Initially, your doctor is going to want to treat the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue. This is fine in the beginning because it may help you focus on lifestyle changes and other management strategies.
Your doctor will most likely prescribe NSAIDs for joint and muscle pain and other prescriptions for stomach distress. He may also prescribe sleeping aids if your pain is keeping you awake or preventing restful sleep.
You may need to let the doctor treat your symptoms, but once you start to feel a little better, it's highly recommended that you start treating yourself as a whole.
Treat the person. You can do this with yoga, meditation and nutrition. This does not mean to stop taking your medications.
It simply means you need to do things for yourself that can give you a sense of well-being, help you feel in control and helps manage your pain.
#2 Seek counseling.
Chronic Fatigue is debilitating both emotionally and physically. You’re going to feel amyriad of emotions.
Depression, anxiety, anger, and isolation. These emotions are normal. You can, however, get help managing these emotions because once you get these out of the way, you can focus on taking control of the disease and your life.
Additionally, letting these emotions take over can have an effect on your symptoms. They can worsen your symptoms and that’s the opposite of what you want to accomplish.
#3 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This therapy essentially helps you monitor and change your behaviors so you can live life and not be a victim to Chronic Fatigue.
With your therapist you’ll analyze behaviors that contribute to your fatigue and work together to develop alternative behaviors that support recovery and a reduction or alleviation of symptoms.
This is a significant treatment option and one of the most effective ways to manage chronic stress.
You may also develop lifestyle changes like a moderate exercise program and a diet that supports you with your CBT practitioner.
Another option you may want to consider is seeing a certified hypnotherapist. They are trained to help you change your negative thought patterns and your behaviors.
#4 Alternative therapies.
Many alternative therapies have had a positive effect on Chronic Fatigue.
Massage, acupuncture, and even programs like Yoga or Thai Chi have been shown to help Chronic Fatigue sufferers manage their disease.
#5 Support groups.
Support groups are tremendous as a resource for both support and information. Other people with Chronic Fatigue can help you wade through the emotions.
They can let you know what to suspect and help you manage your symptoms with advice. They can also guide you to finding the right practitioners and treatments available in your area.
Support groups are available online and off. Your physician may be able to guide you to some of the more effective groups.
Chronic Fatigue may not have a cure, but with help you can learn to manage your symptoms and get your life back on track.
Find doctors who specialize in treating Chronic Fatigue. Look for people who are ready, willing and able to help support you in your recovery. Chronic Fatigue doesn’t have to rule your life.
Learn more about your health online when you read the rest of our information here about:
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome guide and also download the free health report available there!
Warren Tattersall has been a full time nutritional consultant for over 35 years and works with people all over the world to help them improve their health, increase their personal energy levels and to use supplements to assist with diet related health issues.
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