[banja]

Hello!
I have problems with continuous low energy, and if anyone have any ideas on what could be the causes, and how to deal with it effectively, I'd greatly appreciate it if you'd give some advice.
Probably the main reason is that I don't listen to my body, and have no idea what it exactly needs at any given moment. So, I frequently either over-exert or under-exert myself. And it's not just physically, mentallly also. It all probably ties together though -mental, physical, and all that deal.
One obvious reason could be nutrition, but I tend to eat pretty healthy. Maybe I'm missing certain vitamins? I've tried taking multivitamins, but it didn't seem to make any impact.
Anyway, just, if you have some ideas, lemme know, ok? Cos it sucks big time. Like a frikin panda . And then I tune-out because I have low energy, and I have low-energy because I tune-out. It's like a cycle. Dunno how to get out of it.

[Christina86]

Hi banja, welcome to PsychCentral!

I have low energy at times myself...

Do you have any psychological illness, like depression or anxiety for instance? It can cause lethargy and make you feel tired with the whole low energy!

It could be anemia (low red blood cells) which you can "fix" by eating more protein or supplementing with an iron pill. Actually, if you can find a good multivitamin, it's always useful providing you tell your doctor/pharmacist about any other medical conditions or medication you take. I see you've tried a multivitamin before, but it's worth it talking to your pharmacist again to find another better one - not all are created equal!

Do you take any prescription meds, or anything herbal that might affect it?

Are you sleeping enough, or getting enough (not too much) exercise?

It could also be low blood sugar, which causes me to feel lethargic and dizzy and just generally tired with low energy when I don't watch what I eat.

I'm not a doctor by any means, but perhaps this is something for your doctor to help with ... more than any of us can unfortunately. If not that, see a nutritionist or a counsellor/therapist, and they should be able to help!

[ECHOES]

Hi and welcome. I agree, when I'm feeling low energy mentally I feel it physically too. Sometimes it's because there is something below the surface of my awareness trying to make itself known.

Everything Crhistina said, and check to see if you're drinking enough water.

I guess maybe experiment.. add one thing at a time and see what happens; if it seems like it makes a difference then take it away to test that idea.

[FerretGuy5]

I have low energy all the time. I can forget blaming it on psyological because I was tested for everything. Afraid this goes with the depression... and medications don't help on this problem.

[Peppermint_Patty]

Hi Banja

Originally Posted by banja

Hello!
I have problems with continuous low energy, and if anyone have any ideas on what could be the causes, and how to deal with it effectively, I'd greatly appreciate it if you'd give some advice.
Probably the main reason is that I don't listen to my body, and have no idea what it exactly needs at any given moment. So, I frequently either over-exert or under-exert myself. And it's not just physically, mentallly also. It all probably ties together though -mental, physical, and all that deal.
One obvious reason could be nutrition, but I tend to eat pretty healthy. Maybe I'm missing certain vitamins? I've tried taking multivitamins, but it didn't seem to make any impact.
Anyway, just, if you have some ideas, lemme know, ok? Cos it sucks big time. Like a frikin panda . And then I tune-out because I have low energy, and I have low-energy because I tune-out. It's like a cycle. Dunno how to get out of it.

I would consult your primary care doctor and have him run some blood tests. You could be suffering from anemia, vitamin D deficiency, or you could have a thyroid disorder.

I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid in 2007 and I now take medication for it. Before treatment, I was constantly tired (even after a good night's sleep) and I felt cold at times. I also had a slight bit of weight gain with it too, just because my metabolism and energy was slowed way down.

Anyway good luck to you and let us know what your doctor finds out.

[banja]

Hi Christina,
I have some psychological problems. I don't know for sure, but I think I have depersonalization disorder, which might have something ( or a lot) to do with it.
In fact, what if I have it? I feel like an idiot for asking this, but what does one do to take care of it? I am really wary of going to a therapist, though.
Multivitamins- alright, I'll try out something, see how it works. Eating more protein might work too, cos I tend to eat a lot of carbs.
Sleep/exercise- sometimes too much, sometimes too little, but mostly ok. Can get into a better routine though, that's true.
Thanks

ECHOES,
Nice signature.
You could be onto something good there, in your first paragraph.

FerretGuy,
Hope it gets better for you too.

[banja]

Thanks, Peppermint Patty.

I had excessive daytime sleepiness & take Provigil. Have been on it about 12 yrs. & couldn't imagine life without it. Also have low thyroid & pernicious anemia; both cause tiredness. So take medication for thyroid & monthly B-12 shots for pernicious anemia.

But my meds for bipolar also contribute to the sleepiness & low motivation so the Provigil is great. My meds provider did send documentation to my ins. co. as they didn't want to pay for it at first (used for narcolepsy). But my provider sent articles that are showing documentation that it is helpful for bipolar & to help w/side effects of meds.

[banja]

Thanks, Suzy. I might just go see a doc then, and see what he suggests. I really don't wanna use meds, it would only be as a last resort, unless it's really anemia or low thyroid.

[bebop]

if you are eating alot of carbs it could be that you are having some high blood sugars. have that checked.

[lynn P.]

Hi Banja,
the first thing you should do is get a complete physical(with bloodwork,specifically thyroid) from your doc. How is your sleeping, do you snore? This can make you very tired during the day. If your health is okay, then I recommend regular exercise. At first it will feel exhausting but after 2 months or so you will feel stronger and notice a change. Try to get out and enjoy a little sun - this helps. Keep taking the vitamins and make sure you take them with food. Also B vitamins are good for energy. Stay away from pop and processed foods because they will suck your energy. I guarantee that exercise if done regularly will boost your energy. Weight lifting in particular makes a person feel stronger very fast. I hope you feel better soon.