1. Depression Can Develop Because of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Depression can develop if you have chronic fatigue syndrome, even if you've never been depressed before. Part of the reason is psychological. You become depressed because you're frustrated at not having the energy to do the things you want and need to do, and you're mourning the energy and lifestyle you once had. Chronic fatigue syndrome can also cause depression to develop due to physical reasons. Being unable to be active will naturally cause your mood to lower, just as exercise and movement lifts your mood through the release of serotonin and dopamine into your system. Depression resulting from chronic fatigue syndrome can range from mild to moderate in severity.
2. Be Careful If You Already Have Depression
Having chronic fatigue syndrome can make a preexisting case of depression worse. If you're already in a depressed state of mind, developing a chronic health condition that robs you of your energy, strength and vitality is not going to help matters. Some days, you may not even see the point of getting out of bed at all. That's why it's so important for people with depression to continue with their treatment when they develop chronic fatigue syndrome. The more you force yourself to get out of bed and get on with life, the better you will feel on a psychological level.
3. Antidepressants May Help
Antidepressants have been shown to help people with chronic fatigue syndrome in a variety of ways. Stimulating drugs like Prozac can supply you with more energy, so you feel more like being active. Tricyclic antidepressants can help you sleep at night, which will enable you to wake up feeling more refreshed in the morning. Having more energy and getting better sleep will help ease your symptoms of depression, as well as make you feel better physically.
