Chronic fatigue causes an extreme tiredness that can make performing daily activities seem impossible. Chronic fatigue can occur after an illness or after a period of high stress, but can also come on slowly with no obvious cause. Treatment consists of treating the underlying cause, if applicable, and managing the symptoms.
Sufficient Sleep
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the primary symptom of chronic fatigue is sleep problems. Cognitive dysfunction tends to occur with the condition, so getting sufficient sleep might improve memory and concentration, reports FamilyDoctor.org.
Stress Reduction
Chronic fatigue can also be treated by developing a plan to avoid or limit overexertion and emotional stress, reports the Mayo Clinic. Deep breathing and muscle relaxation techniques, massage, and movement therapies like stretching and yoga, provide stress reduction by reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of well-being, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Exercise
Exercising regularly often improves symptoms of chronic fatigue. The Mayo Clinic notes that patients should discuss the types of exercises that will help them maintain strength with their doctor, and should start the exercises slowly, gradually increasing them to a level that's best tolerated.
Keep a Diary
FamilyDoctor.org recommends that patients keep a daily diary, documenting the times when more energy seems to occur, the planning activities at the times identified with the most energy. However, patients should not overdo physical activities on high-energy days, because too much activity on the good days may cause more bad days by worsening the fatigue.
Counseling
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend consulting a trained professional for help with acquiring coping skills. A counselor can provide problem-solving techniques, standard psychotherapy and counseling methods to cope with the issues that often accompany chronic fatigue. Emotions such as anxiety, depression, grief, anger and guilt occur with chronic fatigue, and the emotions experienced by the sufferer sometimes affect close family members. Consulting a behavioral health professional may help to address any changes that happen to families when living with a member who has the condition.
