Thank you all for sharing your experiences with chronic fatigue. I really appreciated hearing from you. Given all the responses, though, I'd like to address each of you with my comments, if that's ok.

To Wander I'd say it does make sense that stress could be a factor, as I am always stressed out no matter how much or little I do. I haven't had PTSD, but maybe something similar is going on with me, with stress out of whack and intense.

bpenniman: I've never heard of using Ritalin (or Provigil) for this purpose, though I doubt my pdoc would consider adding it as she feels I'm already on enough meds as it is. But I'll certainly inquire about it, thanks for the suggestion!

Gray Rider, Disorder7 and Christina: I neglected to mention that the horrible fatigue pre-dated my use of psych meds -- I refused treatment for the first four years of my illness. What's really astounding is that anti-psychotic meds are the only thing that improve my fatigue condition. Without them (I've been noncompliant a few times in the past), I'm so exhausted that I can barely get out of bed... or shower.... One time, I lost 45 pounds (from 125 lbs) because I couldn't feed myself. I was on the bed for months eating only corn chips and chocolate (my estranged husband would bring them in)... and I developed bedsores and couldn't shower for four months -- all because of the fatigue!

Anyway, the anti-psychotic meds at least get me out of bed, so I'm able to dress, feed myself, shop for groceries,,, the basic stuff. Seroquel in fact has helped the most... it just doesn't completely get rid of the fatigue, unfortunately.

To pearlys and jo_thorne: I am able to exercise quite a bit, actually, with walks, an active style of yoga, and indoor cycling every day. I feel better when I exercise, so I guess it's not Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The fatigue hits when I feel stressed out or anxious or upset and seems to be connected with my emotions, getting worse when something emotionally upsetting occurs (like after my cats died last year and I just collapsed for months).

To Christina: Yes, I've had full physical checkups -- they tested my thyroid, pituitary gland (to assess cortisol levels) , iron levels and Vitamin D levels. Everything was fine there, though your suggestions would seem to make sense.

violet66: I just want to say that I'm sorry you still have the chronic fatigue after so many years... I can totally relate.

Butternut: I just wonder if your falling asleep in the daytime could be related to a sleep disorder, like sleep apnea or something...? Just putting the idea out there.... :-) I appreciate your sharing.

Well, I think I've responded in an unconventional way. I hope it's ok to do this? I don't know how to incorporate your previous quotes in this post. But thanks again for all of your comments! I remain hopeful that something will work to reduce the fatigue for each of us. :-)