[SkyWhite]

I've been working through my trauma issues from child abuse for a couple of months now. A lot has come up and I've had new insights and working hard to get well. I've been noticing, however, that I'm physically exhausted and probably emotionally exhausted, too.

Would physical exhaustion be normal? I seem to have to take a nap almost every day now. I want to push forward, but it's all getting so tiring.

My general health is very good, so I doubt it's anything physical.

[Open Eyes]

Oh yes, most people find working in therapy exhausting.

PTSD does tire the body out. Any trigger can present a rush of cortizol that pumps us up to "be ready" for fight or flight. If you "can" take a nap, that is ok, you do need rest and napping can help the brain to slow down verses being hyper aware.

[Leah123]

I have the same experience doing trauma work, and really, any intensive therapy, but especially talking trauma. I nap as much as I can now, which is often two or three times a week after sessions or to catch up on sleep.

The work really is work, and it really is exhausting.

[MotownJohnny]

Think of it this way, you are "on" so much more than you are "off" - you are on "full alert" at a cellular and neurobiochemical level. Any system that remains in the "on" position eventually burns out. Unlike a lightbulb, at least living organisms have the ability to regenerate to an extent (death, of course, is the outer limit of that ability). If you can "get away from it" in your mind and relax, you may find some relief for your weary state. But, obviously, that ability to relax will be hard to find when you're in the thick of it.

[Lacy Rose]

Thanks for asking this question, and thanks to those who answered! For years I have struggled with extreme fatigue and haven't been sure of why. I do have several health conditions that cause fatigue but it makes sense that the PTSD and the trauma work and recovery are involved too. Thanks for helping me to be more aware of this and the need to be gentle on myself when I'm exhausted!

[Calm]

From the time I was a child, I had insomnia. Then when I started therapy, and started working on my past issues I experienced more fatigue. Dealing with ongoing insomnia is enough but then adding all the therapy work to the mix just made things worse. I finally started taking a medicine to help with the sleep problem. I'm still taking it and it still works. In addition to my therapy sessions, I was also attending a support group for survivors as well. Lots of very weary days! It's good that I was much younger then because there's no way I'd be able to deal with all of that now with everything else that is going on in my life right now.

[Teacake]

I haven't seen it but I have read that really overwhelmed toddlers fall asleep.

Especially when I was taking GABA to avoid nightmares, I could fall out on the couch and sleep BEFORE therapy, to dream amd dream, sometimes with a clock in the dream so i didn't oversleep and miss therapy.

The more i can relax and allow everything into consciousness, the less I have to sleep.

One thi.g to be careful of...if you think and ruminate a lot you can deplete serotonin. If you record your dreams and attend to them they become more Vivid and you may dream more. You may be missing out on deeper sleep. You may be tiring yourself.

[JaneC]

Exhaustion...yes, yes I feel this. I am exhausted now. Unbelievably so....and despite trying to rest the exhaustion will not lift.
As someone mentioned, the constant state of high alert that I am in lately is nothing but exhausting. My body aches and my health is suffering right now. I need a long break. No chance!

Skywhite.....I have pushed on and pushed on.....take it from me, allow yourself to rest as you need, really it is ok and in fact nedcessary. I wish I had more often before now. to you

[SkyWhite]

Thanks everyone for your comments and support.

I never expected this would be so tiring, but it really makes sense.

Found some stuff online about adrenal fatigue that some might find interesting.