Chronic fatigue, often called chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is a serious condition that leaves people feeling deeply exhausted, even after rest. It affects many Australians, often limiting their ability to work, socialise, or perform daily tasks. Symptoms like brain fog, muscle pain, and worsening fatigue after activity make it challenging to manage.
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex illness that causes extreme tiredness lasting at least six months. Unlike normal fatigue, it doesn’t improve with sleep or rest and isn’t caused by another clear medical issue. It can affect anyone, but it’s more common in women and often starts in early adulthood. In Australia, it’s estimated to impact around 0.2–0.7% of the population, according to ME/CFS Australia.
The exact cause of this condition isn’t known, but researchers think it might involve:
- Viral infections: Some cases start after infections like Epstein-Barr virus or even COVID-19.
- Immune system issues: The body’s defence system may overreact or malfunction.
- Stress or trauma: These can worsen symptoms, though they don’t directly cause CFS.
- Genetics: A family history might increase your risk.
Because chronic fatigue is so complex, it’s often misunderstood, but it’s a real medical condition recognised by the World Health Organization as a neurological disorder.
Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue
Chronic fatigue is more than just feeling tired. It comes with a range of symptoms that can vary from day to day and person to person. The main symptom is severe exhaustion, but others include:
- Post-exertional malaise (PEM): Feeling much worse after physical or mental effort, sometimes for days or weeks.
- Brain fog: Trouble focusing, remembering things, or making decisions.
- Unrefreshing sleep: Waking up tired, even after a full night’s sleep.
- Pain: Muscle aches, joint pain, or headaches without a clear cause.
- Flu-like symptoms: Sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, or mild fever.
- Dizziness: Feeling light-headed, especially when standing up.
- Digestive problems: Nausea, bloating, or changes in bowel habits.
These symptoms can make life tough. For some, this condition means cutting back on work or study. For others, it can lead to being housebound or even bedridden. The unpredictability of symptoms adds to the challenge, making it hard to plan ahead.
How Chronic Fatigue Affects Your Life
Living with chronic fatigue can feel like a constant battle. Simple tasks like cooking dinner or catching up with friends can become overwhelming. Many Australians with CFS face:
- Work challenges: Reduced hours or needing to stop work entirely.
- Social isolation: Missing out on events due to fatigue or PEM.
- Emotional strain: Anxiety or depression from the condition’s impact.
Because this condition isn’t always visible, others might not understand what you’re going through, which can feel isolating. That’s why connecting with support groups or resources like Beyond Blue can make a big difference.
Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue
Getting a diagnosis for chronic fatigue can take time. There’s no single test, so doctors use a process of elimination to rule out other conditions like thyroid problems, sleep apnoea, or iron deficiency. In Australia, your GP will likely follow guidelines like those from the CDC, which require:
- Severe fatigue for six months or more.
- Symptoms like PEM, brain fog, or unrefreshing sleep.
- A significant drop in your ability to do daily activities.
Your doctor may order blood tests to check for low iron, inflammation, or other issues. They might also refer you to a specialist, like a neurologist or rheumatologist, to confirm the diagnosis. Be patient, this process can take months, but it’s crucial to get it right.
Solutions to Stay Energised with Chronic Fatigue
While there’s no cure for chronic fatigue, you can manage symptoms and boost your energy with the right strategies. Here are some practical, evidence-based solutions to help you stay energised:
1. Pacing: Balance Activity and Rest
Pacing is about finding a sustainable balance between activity and rest to avoid PEM. It means breaking tasks into smaller chunks and resting before you feel exhausted. For example, instead of cleaning the house in one go, do 10 minutes at a time with breaks. The Better Health Channel recommends pacing as a key tool for managing this condition.
2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT isn’t a cure, but it can help you cope with chronic fatigue by changing how you think about and respond to symptoms. It’s especially useful for managing stress or low mood, which can make fatigue worse. A trained therapist can guide you through CBT tailored to CFS.
3. Healthy Eating and Hydration
A balanced diet can support your energy levels. Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Stay hydrated, as dehydration can worsen fatigue. Avoid too much caffeine or alcohol, which can disrupt sleep. If you have digestive issues, a dietitian can help create a plan that works for you.
4. Improve Sleep Habits
Unrefreshing sleep is common with chronic fatigue, but good sleep hygiene can help. Try these tips:
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule.
- Create a calm bedroom environment (dark, quiet, cool).
- Avoid screens or heavy meals before bed.
We suggest you take a look at our Sleep Personality Quiz.
5. Gentle Movement
For some, gentle activities like stretching or short walks can help maintain energy without triggering PEM. However, exercise can be risky for people with this condition, so always start slowly and consult your doctor or physiotherapist first.
6. Connect with Support Groups
Joining a support group, like those offered by ME/CFS Australia, can help you feel less alone. Sharing experiences and tips with others who understand chronic fatigue can be uplifting and practical.
7. Manage Stress
Stress can worsen chronic fatigue symptoms. Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga. Apps like Smiling Mind, created for Australians, can guide you through mindfulness exercises.
Iron Infusion and Chronic Fatigue
For some people with chronic fatigue, low iron levels might be adding to their exhaustion. Iron is vital for carrying oxygen in your blood, and a deficiency can cause fatigue, even without anaemia. If blood tests show low iron or ferritin (a marker of iron stores), your doctor might suggest an iron infusion.
Iron infusion delivers iron straight into your bloodstream, which is faster and more effective than oral supplements, especially if your body struggles to absorb iron. A 2019 study in Blood Journal found that iron infusions reduced fatigue in women with low ferritin, even if they weren’t anaemic. For Australians with fatigue and confirmed iron deficiency, this could be a game-changer.
However, iron infusion isn’t a treatment for tis condition itself, it only helps if low iron is part of the problem. Overdoing iron can cause side effects like low phosphate levels, which might actually increase fatigue, according to Oncology Republic. Always get blood tests and follow your doctor’s advice before considering iron infusion.
If you think you have chronic fatigue, start with your GP. They can run tests, guide you through diagnosis, and create a management plan. Here at Capstone Health Centre, we offer this service and you can also consult a GP.
Final Thoughts
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a tough condition, but with the right strategies, you can take steps to stay energised and improve your quality of life. Pacing, healthy habits, and support from professionals and community groups are key to managing symptoms. For those with low iron levels, an iron infusion might help ease fatigue, but it’s not a cure for CFS itself and needs careful medical oversight. By working with your healthcare team and tapping into Australian resources, you can navigate this condition with confidence and hope.