Why Am I So Lethargic?

Hi, K.. Sorry to hear how you're feeling. I went through the same thing. Other than the depression, it can be thyroid/hormonal issues, Vitamin D deficiency, not getting enough rest and exercise. I used to wonder how in the world do I exercise if a) I have absolutely no energy for it, and b) it was impossible to find time to. Long story short (through several years), I've finally learned the value of exercise. Now that I work out at least 2x a week, I have a lot MORE energy. Meds will definitely help; good sleeping/eating habits, and exercise will complement it. Good luck!

have doc check for anemia. that was my problem and now that i get iron and b12 shots its a whole new world. i can function!!!!1

I was feeling that way earlier this year. Turned out to be gallstones. I had my gall bladder removed. You are right to speak to your PCP, and I would suggest going in for an appointemnt. They can order a sonogram to check for gallstones. With your symptoms, there are so many things it could be. I just mntion gallstones, because I was so surprised that that's what my problem turned out to be. At first the doc thought it was a reaction to the pain meds I'm taking, but then he suspected gallstones. It's a very common condition, especially for women who have been pregnant. So, good luck to you, and I hope you find the problem and are feeling better soon.

Ask the doctor to check your homone levels, those can be crazy the first year after a pregnancy in particularly. Can't they also do blood work to check your depression meds are at the right levels?? Also, you could jus tbe aneimic. Odds are its a number of interwoven factors, but bringing it to the attention of the doctor and having a basic physical could point out some factos.

How are your eating habits? Are you a healthy eater? I would first focus on natural remedies. Eat a balanced diet, get excercise, get 8 hours of sleep, take a multivitamin and get out in the sunshine as much as possible. If those things aren't working I would check with your doctor about your depression medications, perhaps they need an adjustment? If all else fails check in with your doctor about getting a physical with some blood testing. It may be lack of iron or even thyroid imbalances. Take care of yourself, your daughter needs you to be stong.

Another thought, for some support and friendship while your hubby is gone, check out meetup.com. It's free to sign up and they have tons of mommies group's which can help you find things to do with your daughter to get you out and get some much needed adult conversations while she plays with the other kids.

It is normal (I think) to feel somewhat that way when your husband is deployed (I always did). But you may also be anemic (iron deficient). Are you taking a multi-vitamin? Go in for a check up and blood test. Good job getting outside everyday. Most people respond best to antidepressants if they are also getting some therapy so request some therapy from your primary care....I think you just call Tricare for that. Hang in there what you are feeling is normal for you situation but Don't just suffer get help oh and try to trade babysitting with someone so you can get occasional down time.

R.

How long have you been on medication? Sometimes there are side effects for meds. Check and see if that's one of them, along with headaches and nausea. Also, you mentioned all of your responsibilities, but no outlets. No friends, no family nearby? Your message reflects the activities of a woman who is doing a lot of giving, but does nothing to replenish herself. Rest if first and foremost a need. How much sleep are you getting? You have a dog that needs walking and a 9-month-old who is with you daily, it seems. You're also managing the house entirely on your own out of necessity. But, if you can find some help, get some rest, and a few friends to laugh with, you might find you not only feel a little better but can alleviate some of the stress. Of course, still see your PCP to rule out other conditions, but most moms of infants are tired under normal conditions. You are also probably concerned about your husband, which would cause a continuous state of stress in your mind. For me, prayer helps stay focused and replenishes my spirit. Going to church helps me learn more and put life's issues in perspective. Reading encourages me and listening to gospel music uplifts my soul. Make sure you are also eating properly. Too much sugar, not enough water, and any caffeine are all energy robbers.

Have the pcp check you for Mono. That has been my issue each time have had the symptoms you are experiencing. Also have a pregnancy test done just in case-some women continue to have their periods for a little while during pregnancy-I had a mom in the program I work for who had hers for 4 months during her last pregnancy.

in addition to the very good advice suggesting looking at how your meds might be affecting you, are you involving in some groups for spouses and families of deployed airmen? you may have received some info from your husband's squadron or you may be able to find one through the family support center of life skills center. good luck!

I was also dealing with the same thing recently - depression and lethargic at the same time. I was told first that it was the medication making me tired (I was on Lexapro). However, my doctor decided to take a blood test and checked my vitamin levels. Turns out I was defficient in Vitamin D. SHe gave a prescription that is stronger than what you take over counter and it has really helped! Your doctor could do a basic blood test and test for not only Vitamin D but also thyroid and some other common things that cause lethargy. It's fairly simple and will either rule out some serious things or help you on your way to feeling better. In the meantime, I commend you for getting up and walking! Even with the lethargy, some forms of movement will keep the depression down. I know it's hard! Keep up the good work! You can do it!!!

You my need a ajustment in your medication , sometimes my medication can make me feel this way exspecially when there is more stress in my life . haveing a baby and your husband being gone is giving less sleep probible . .Learn some go breathing excerizes this alway helps me . taking long deep breaths will give your brain more oxergen. good luck

Hi K.! Wow! You have so much great advice here that I hesitate to add more! I actually have had similar experiences...I am a USMC mother of 3...ages 4,2 & 5mo. with hubby deployed. I actually contacted a natropath because the doctors kept telling me I was fine. There is a connection to Vit. D deficiency and depression...this may be why so many have suggested it...though your levels may be "normal" for a depressed personality, you need more than the "normal" amount. You can supplement or choose foods and beverages with added "D" or simply get out in the sun as much as possible...morning sun is the least threatening in terms of skin cancer. Another key Vitamin that can help battle depression is a Vitamin B complex...especially B12. There are also important minerals you may need as well...they help your body absorb these vitamins. A great article that kind of sums it up is http://depression.about.com/cs/diet/a/vitamin.htm
Exercise is another connection to depression. Keep up on the walking! I know how hard it is to even get out the door, let alone go for a walk! You are doing great...even if you don't feel like you are! Try to walk somewhere at the start of your day to give you energy for the rest of the day. I was so bad I was having problems falling asleep whenever I sat down...I would fall asleep reading stories to my kids, checking the computer...whenever! I got so I could never let myself sit for fear of nodding off. I found that though I am not a diabetic, eating like one is basically eating a healthy diet that is absent of simple carbs and sugars. When I eliminated such things from my diet and chose whole grain cheerios with yogurt for breakfast, or whole grain toast with all natural peanut butter instead of a regular bowl of cereal with milk I didn't have the "crash" an hour or so later. There are "Power snacks" also that can help you...small handful of peanuts, mozzerella chz stick, whole grain crackers, peanut butter crackers, etc. These will regulate your blood sugar levels. I get nausea when I need to get food in my belly...that's when I eat a "power snack". Some suggested snacks worked, and some did not. (Sugar-free stuff make me feel yucky also, so I don't do anything "diet" or "sugarfree" if it has a sugar substitute in it) I haven't totally eliminated sugar...just really regulated exactly how much and when it goes into my body. I saw someone recommended water...proper hydration is sooo important! This can give you more energy and take away your headaches. Pay attention to your headaches. Where do you feel them? Depending on WHERE you feel them can help determine the cause. Side? Front? Where? What type? Throbbing? Stabbing? Your doc will want to know these things! (Or if you lose faith in your doc like I did just look online for a description...look at a natural medicine site for more help on how to help them go away) I also get headaches when I crash from simple sugars. Another thing that is really important is to have the right kind of multivitamin. With my natropath's help, I found the one that was right for me...it took a few tries with a few brands, but I found a good one. Pure Essence Labs is the one I ended up with and all their vitamins are vegetable based. That may not be the brand for you, but as you try them you will know in about a week or two if whatever you are trying is helping. Also, if you do find you have an iron defeciency, take "chelated iron" supplements. This is a type of iron, not a brand. If the iron is chelated, it is vegetable based and cannot harm you. It is possible to overdose and cause yourself harm using other types of iron suppliments if you are not careful. Another thing that has helped me tremendously is taking "Emergen-C" vitamin C packets 2 or 3 times a day. These packets come in a box in the vitamin aisle. I get mine at the commissary...thank God our servicemembers love this stuff and rely on it for all nighters, workout sessions, etc.! As soon as I feel myself starting to crash or feel like I want to crawl into bed with the kids I make up a packet and almost immediately feel close to normal again. I take one as soon as I wake up, around 11 or noon, then again around dinner. Vitamin C packets also will take away symptoms of most seasonal allergies! The packets are my favorite form of Vitamin C because Vitamin C dies so quickly once oxygen hits it. There are many products labeled C but you aren't truly getting the benifit from it. If you drink the drink as soon as you pour the packet into the glass of water, you will feel the difference.
It has taken me a long time to figure all of this out, and as you can see, I have had to make a lot adjustments...but they are worth it. For me it was a combo deal...and there are days when I still have to force myself out of bed for the children...but those days are rare now. Hopefully it is simpler for you! I am interested in what you decided to do, and when you heal yourself, how you did it. If you could post a follow up whenever that happens, I would love to know you are feeling better.
All the best!
USMC wife and mom

The advice below is all great. One other thought: It may be time to change medications. A close friend who used antidepressants found she had to change meds periodically because one med would work fine for a time, then start having side effects, or stop working as well on her depression. So you need more than a call to the nurse -- please get an appointment ASAP with both your psychiatrist and your MD for a new, full checkup from both, to rule out physical issues and to talk about your depression meds. Don't tough this out alone; see the professionals. And I totally agree with the person who said watch what you eat and avoid caffeine, too much fat in foods (makes you tired) and too much sugar (causes a crash later)!

Have you ever had any thyroid problems? Ever been anemic? Those could be two possible reasons your feeling tired. Your doc will probably want to see you and run bloodwoork. Another thought...have you changed your medications lately? Alot of medication have side effects of fatigue. Hope this helps!

It could be a lot of things. My husband is deployed to- our 4th. It seems like every time he goes I have about a month where I feel just like that, but then I rally. I blame it on getting used to the new situation and just feeling sad, missing my husband. My suggestion is to just keep doing what you're doing. Hang in there and it will usually pass once you find your new "normal". Once you have your own routines under control and you find things to keep your spirits up, you'll probably feel better.
I've been spending more time with my family and friends, plus I take on crazy household projects like painting, rearranging furniture, and getting a deck built (this time). I wouldn't recommend those with a baby. My son is 5 and in preK so I have a little time to myself. Just find something that you enjoy and do it. The last time he was gone and my son was 2, I would invite different people over to dinner every other week. That way I had a reason to clean my house and cook, plus I could be around other people.
You may just need a break from your "duties". Maybe a friend could babysit for a few hours a week so you can relax or get things done by yourself. If you live on base or close you can usually get daycare there for even just a few hours a week at a very low cost when your husband's deployed. It really helps to get a break! I didn't have my son in anything the last time my husband deployed, and it's so nice now to have 3 hours a day that I can clean, run errands, whatever-by myself!
Maybe you just need to be around other people more. I was in a playgroup when my son was younger (we still get together). It was more for the moms than the kids when they were babies, but I found some wonderful friends that way. I put an ad in our housing develpment's newsletter, but you could also look for MOMs clubs or MOPS clubs in your area.
You could check with your husband's family group (I'm not sure what they call it in the AF, but it's an FRG in the Army -family readiness group) or MWR or Military OneSource to find out what resources are available.
Please get back in touch with me if there's anything I can do! I totally understand that feeling! You are perfectly describing the month of January for me this year.

Dear K., You poor thing! Too much going on! Might your doctor be able to increase your anti-depressant a little bit? Has anything else new been introduced into your environment, i.e. new furniture, paint, different cleaning products etc.? Lots of these things can contain harmful chemicals which could give you the symptoms you mentioned. Do you take vitamins? With the stress you are under, any lack of proper nutrients could be pushing you over the edge to not feeling your best! You can get some great ____@____.com/oligo. Please don't waste your money on synthetic vitamins! Good luck to you. N.

I second the advice to have your thyroid ck'd

I would see your doctor and have him/her check your thyroid functioning. Good luck.

A few months back I suffered from exactly what you have described. I went to my Dr and described all the symptons and she ran some blood work on me. Found out that my thyroid had basically quit working and I had a Vitamin D deficiency. Call your Dr. make an appointment and go!! I still have bouts with headaches and being wore out but it is so much better now. Good Luck!!

Keep a check on PPD. And you might just be feeling the stress and drama of a deployment. Try to get lots of rest, eat well and get outside in the sunshine...out of the house. Do things to make YOU happy.
Also have your iron checked. If you are anemic you will feel lethargic/tired. If you dont treat it it will turn into a whole list of other symptoms including chills, headaches, overall body weakness......
Take care of you.

You should go report it to your doctor. You may have a vitamin or iron deficiency - they can be fairly common after all that having a child takes out of you. It may also be possible that your depression medications need adjustment.