Depression and Fatigue: How to Stay Strong

Fatigue, or a feeling of exhaustion, is a common symptom of depression. Coupled with sleep disturbances that commonly occur alongside depression, fatigue can have a lasting effect. Symptoms of fatigue can affect physical, cognitive, and emotional function, impair school and work performance, disturb social and family relationships, lower physical activity and energy levels, and increase healthcare utilization.1 This loss of energy can also increase emotional disturbances, and may have an impact on physical health. 

In order to overcome fatigue, it’s important to incorporate physical activity into your daily life, as well as to get better sleep on a regular schedule. Managing stress with daily activities like meditation, yoga and breathwork can also help increase dopamine, counteracting fatigue. There are also several alternative pharmacological strategies to treat fatigue in depression.2 If you are looking for treatment for depression, depression fatigue, or other related medical conditions, reach out to AMFM Mental Health Today.

depression and fatigue

Insomnia and Depression

The average adult should be getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night, while adolescents and young adults require 8 to 10 hours.3 It’s estimated that about 75% of depressed patients have insomnia symptoms, and hypersomnia is present in about 40% of young depressed adults and 10% of older patients, with a preponderance in females.4 Other epidemiological studies have pointed out that insomnia in nondepressed subjects is a risk factor for later development of depression.5 Insomnia does not precede depression in all cases, and nor do findings of recent studies prove causal relationships between insomnia and depression. Further evidence suggests that both depression and depression treatment can induce sleep disturbances.6 By adjusting sleep patterns, regulating and increasing dopamine levels with daily activities, you can begin to combat the tiredness that comes along with depression fatigue. If you are struggling with depression, you may be experiencing any of the following sleep problems:
  • Chronic insomnia
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Decreased sleep quality
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Depression fatigue
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

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More about Depression

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Clinical Depression is a mood disorder that is known for causing feelings of sadness, a loss of interest in pleasurable activities, and a range of other emotional and physical symptoms. Symptoms of depression can affect your daily routine, relationships, and overall quality of life. Mental health treatment, through a combination of psychiatry and therapeutic care, can help you to manage these symptoms over time, increasing the quality of life.

Major Depression can affect individuals of varying ages and other demographics. Causes of depression can vary, including genetics, self-esteem, experiences you’ve had in life, and a chemical imbalance within your brain. Depression therapy can help you in overcoming depression and may include the use of depression medications and holistic therapies.

What Are Different Types of Depressive Disorders?

Depression can present differently among those experiencing depressive symptoms. There are several types of depressive disorders, each of which have their own features and recommended treatments. While this is not an exhaustive list of the types of depression, it does highlight some of the most common:

  • Bipolar Disorder (Bipolar Depression)
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
  • Postpartum Depression
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
  • Psychotic Depression

Psychiatric Treatment for Depression

There are a variety of different antidepressant medications that have been proven as effective treatment (in combination with psychological treatment) for depression. Some types of antidepressants are listed here, but inquire with a licensed medical professional or psychiatrist for detailed information on different treatments. Never take psychiatric medication unless it is prescribed to you, and be sure to consult with healthcare professionals in case of external risk factors.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)are antidepressant medications that treat different neurotransmitters in order to block the reabsorption of serotonin or norepinephrine, keeping more of the chemicals in the synaptic cleft. However, both SSRIs and SNRIs have been known to impact fatigue and energy levels, and antidepressants may have fatigue listed as a side effect. Both are effective treatments for depression, but depend upon the individual, and should be approached with medical guidance and professional advice. Click here to learn more about the importance of medication management

Inpatient/Residential Treatment

Residential mental health facilities are designed to offer mental health resources, structure, and treatment plans to those struggling with a variety of mental health conditions in a live-in environment. Because these are inpatient behavioral health programs, they offer a more holistic and hands-on, in-person treatment approach with 24/7 access to health care and personalized treatment plans. Our Residential Facilities have qualified clinicians on staff, to provide medication management, therapeutic programming, and the highest level of care, This type of treatment prioritizes an individual’s safety when depressed, particularly for those who have experienced suicide attempts.

Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP)

Intensive Outpatient Mental Health Treatment is a form of treatment designed to treat depression through a combination of group and individual therapy. Qualified mental health professionals lead clients through behavioral health programming, providing comprehensive treatment plans, evidence-based programs, and psychoeducation resources. IOP programs provide a holistic approach to treatment and thorough access to health care, but at a more flexible schedule. AMFM Mental Health Treatment offers outpatient programs with both in-person and virtual treatment options to meet your unique needs.

Partial Hospitalization Programming (PHP)

PHP is a type of mental health program designed to help those struggling with mental health issues through a combination of group and individual therapy, to improve well-being. Qualified mental health professionals lead clients through behavioral health programming, providing personalized treatment plans, evidence-based programs, and psychoeducation resources. PHP programs provide comprehensive holistic treatment and thorough access to health care, but at a more flexible schedule. Unlike inpatient residential treatment, the partial hospitalization program option only takes place during the day, allowing clients to return home at night and on the weekends, with less disruption to your daily life. This level of care may be helpful for those continuing studies or work in the evenings or on the weekends. AMFM Mental Health Treatment Facilities offer PHP, with both in-person and virtual treatment options to meet your unique needs.

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By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list.

I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

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Types of Therapy for Depression

Depression can affect individuals differently, which often requires individualized treatment. There are a variety of depression treatment options that can be used to address the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of this condition. Some of the most common psychotherapy modalities used in depression counseling sessions at our California locations include:

Family or Couples Therapy

Couples and family therapy may be used when a loved one’s depressive symptoms are affecting others. Support groups for family members can increase everyone’s understanding of depression and provide resources for growth. Couples and family therapy sessions can improve communication patterns, focus on problem-solving, address unresolved conflicts, and increase the sense of understanding among one another. 

Group Therapy

Group therapy sessions can be used to help provide structured times to help you understand that you are not alone in your struggles, that your peers are also walking through these challenges, while also providing guidance, suggestions and communications from psychologists with specialized backgrounds. These groups can span a variety of backgrounds, including but not limited to art therapy, somatic therapy, and narrative therapy.7

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that’s focused on restructuring and reprogramming maladaptive and negative thought processes. Psychologists are trained to help you change your cognitive and emotional processes in order to outgrow coping mechanisms that may no longer be serving you.8 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is most commonly referred to as “talk therapy,” and is designed to help process emotions. Qualified professionals offer psychological therapy to move forward with healthy ways of engaging in interpersonal relationships and alleviating physical and emotional distress.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

EMDR Therapy is a renowned method of reprocessing most often used in trauma therapy. By activating the prefrontal cortex through a series of bilateral stimulation, qualified professionals can lead you through traumatic experiences, helping you to alleviate the distress symptomized by trauma.9

Crisis Intervention and Stabilization Services

A crisis is defined by the National Library of Medicine “as an overwhelming event, which can include divorce, violence, the passing of a loved one, or the discovery of a serious illness.”10 The goal of crisis intervention is to provide safety and reduce any potential harm to an individual undergoing a crisis.

Additional Mental Health Diagnoses and Conditions for Treatment

AMFM Mental Health Treatment has extensive experience treating a variety of mental health disorders beyond depression through evidence-based therapies, including but not limited to the following:

  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Eating Disorders
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • ADHD
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Mood Disorders
  • Psychosis 
  • Schizophrenia
  • Panic Attacks

Recovery can feel isolating; mental health programming can provide cohesive treatment plans to help you or your loved one as you move forward, overcoming your mental illness.

Verify Your Insurance

By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list.

I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Disclaimer

What to expect

Insurance Verification:

Our team will verify if your insurance provider is in-network with an AMFM Healthcare Facility.

Contact From Admission Representative:

Expect a call within an hour from an admissions representative to discuss treatment options.

By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list.

I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

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Targum SD, Fava M. Fatigue as a residual symptom of depression. Innov Clin Neurosci. 2011 Oct;8(10):40-3. PMID: 22132370; PMCID: PMC3225130.

“How Sleep Works – How Much Sleep Is Enough?” NHLBI, 24 March 2022, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep/how-much-sleep. Accessed 15 May 2025.

Nutt D, Wilson S, Paterson L. Sleep disorders as core symptoms of depression. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2008;10(3):329-36. doi: 10.31887/DCNS.2008.10.3/dnutt. PMID: 18979946; PMCID: PMC3181883.

Franzen PL, Buysse DJ. Sleep disturbances and depression: risk relationships for subsequent depression and therapeutic implications. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2008;10(4):473-81. doi: 10.31887/DCNS.2008.10.4/plfranzen. PMID: 19170404; PMCID: PMC3108260.

“Psychotherapy: Understanding group therapy.” American Psychological Association, 31 October 2019, https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/group-therapy. Accessed 20 February 2025.

“APA Dictionary of Psychology.” APA Dictionary of Psychology, https://dictionary.apa.org/cognitive-behavior-therapy. Accessed 20 February 2025.

“What is EMDR?” EMDR Institute, https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/. Accessed 20 February 2025.

 MA, Carlberg K. “Crisis Intervention – StatPearls.” NCBI, 24 April 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559081/. Accessed 20 February 2025.