Why Am I So Tired And Unwilling To Do Anything? 10 Common Causes
Probably all or almost all of us have felt exhausted and without strength at some point. This state of lack of energy is highly unpleasant and leads to losing opportunities and even disabling us.
But not having energy or motivation does not mean that on a cognitive level we cannot worry about what is happening to us and ask ourselves its cause. **Why am I so tired and unwilling to do anything? **
Throughout this article we are going to try to establish some of the possible causes that can lead us to these sensations.
Many times, our level of activation responds to strange logic that we do not fully understand. Even at times in our lives when we feel that we are eating adequately and that we are resting the necessary hours so that our body can maintain and repair itself at the proper pace, there are many people who at some point ask themselves: “why?” I’m so tired, if I do everything necessary to be well?”
Typically, this is due to a combination of biological and psychological aspects. For example, leading a relatively sedentary lifestyle causes our body to weaken, which makes us less prepared when we eventually have to make extra efforts. Thus, the behavioral and the physical influence each other.
On the other hand, there is a wide variety of pathologies that produce fatigue as one of their symptoms. This usually occurs due to the poor efficiency with which the body manages the available energy, given that the priority is to combat the health problem.
However, there is a set of health disorders that deserve their own name, and that are often behind that feeling of fatigue. It is about asthenia, and we will get to know it in the next few lines.
Apathy and asthenia: basic concepts
Before starting to assess what causes can lead us to extreme tiredness and lack of desire and motivation to do things, it may be useful to briefly mention what this tiredness and feeling of apathy entails. To begin with, we must keep in mind that both sensations are deeply linked to our state of energy, in addition to being influenced by our mood, biology or the set of experiences we have had.
With regard to fatigue, it is a state of discomfort and weakness that, although generally unappetizing, is natural, and that in normative situations has a meaning and adaptive function. And when our body or mind uses large amounts of energy, the body warns that our resources are close to being exhausted. Under normal conditions, this leads us to try to regain strength, whether by sleeping, eating or staying away from what causes us discomfort. This fatigue can turn into asthenia, in which we feel extremely fatigued and it is impossible for us to act (even in those activities that were not difficult for us before).
The desire to do nothing corresponds to the syndrome known as apathy: It is a state of partial or total loss of interest and motivation in which the person ends up being unable to act spontaneously and with initiative. This state usually involves not only a lack of motivation but also a decrease in the ability to concentrate and pay attention (which is generally hindered by rumination) and a loss of ability to make decisions and reason objectively.
Although it does not necessarily imply sadness or a feeling of suffering, it is common for it to occur along with low moods and hopelessness. To a maximum degree we could be talking about abulia.
Common causes of apathy and asthenia
It is possible that we have sometimes asked ourselves the question that gives the title to this article, doubting the reasons we may have for being so lacking in energy and motivation to act.
The truth is The causes will be different for each case, and it is also possible that it is due to an interaction between various elements. However, broadly speaking, some of the main reasons that can lead us to a situation or condition of apathy and asthenia may be the following.
1. Lack of sleep
A possible cause of these sensations is the absence of a sufficiently long and quality rest period. Our body and mind continually spend energy, so they need to rest in order to repair themselves and gain strength to act.
If we do not sleep enough we will find ourselves unable to perform and we will end up reaching a state of lack of motivation to take action.
2. Physical exhaustion
Although similar to the previous one, the truth is that a second possible cause of apathy and asthenia appearing is reaching a state of exhaustion, whether mental or physical.
Depleting our energy reserves will cause both sensations. Now, it is also possible that even if our energy is low, there is desire and will to act.
3. Anemia
The third possible cause of tiredness and lack of desire is found in diet. We have already said that we need to rest, but our body is not a perpetual mobile phone that can keep itself functioning: it needs nutrients and oxygen so that our cells (including those associated with motivation and the control of our energy) can function.
Thus, states of nutritional deficiency or lack of certain nutrients can lead to a state of exhaustion and total amotivation.
4. Lack of activity
Another possible reason why we may feel little motivation and desire to do things has to do precisely with a lack of activity. The fact of doing nothing usually leads a large number of people to a state of frustration or fatigue.
Besides, If we are used to a not very active life, the idea of reactivating ourselves and doing activities sport, work or even going out to enjoy leisure time becomes much more difficult and uphill.
5. Medical illnesses
In addition to the aforementioned anemia, different types of diseases can cause apathy and asthenia.
Among them we can find those linked to the endocrine system, such as hyper/hypothyroidism or diabetes (whether there is hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia). Others are linked to pain or physical energy level, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue or arthritis. Heart, lung (for example COPD), liver or kidney problems can also affect this.
6. Feeling of lack of control over what happens
A possible cause of tiredness and lack of desire to do things may come from our perception or beliefs regarding our own ability to influence the environment.
People who consider that their actions have no meaning or effect on a certain reality will tend to reduce their behaviors and abandon the action, adopting a passive posture. The motivation and desire to act is lost (because it is believed that nothing is going to change or be achieved), and the resulting frustration generates wear and tear at an energy level.
7. Frustration and lack of objectives
The absence of dreams, objectives and vital goals, or the frustration or impossibility of carrying them out (especially if we are facing a goal or objective that is fundamental or highly desired), is also a common cause of apathy and feelings of low energy. and tiredness.
Not knowing what to do or not being able to define an action plan leads us to a state of anguish and dissatisfaction which if maintained over time or becomes habitual and generalized in different situations, can lead to a feeling of helplessness and lack of control over one’s life.
8. Traumatic experience
In addition to the above, among the different causes that can generate fatigue and lack of desire is experiencing traumatic situations. In this case we may be talking about a typical situation of what happens during a period of mourning for example when we lose a loved one or when we perceive that we are losing capabilities.
They are also symptoms that can appear in post-traumatic stress disorders, although hypervigilance, tension and re-experiencing usually prevail.
9. Stress
On a daily basis we encounter a large number of demands at a social level. We must be effective and efficient in our work, proactive, competitive…
All of this can lead to situations of great stress and anguish which is maintained over time can end up saturating the person and triggering a loss of motivation and great physical and mental fatigue.
10. Depression
In addition to all of the above, another reason why fatigue and apathy may arise may be linked to problems such as depression.
In fact, some of the possible symptoms are precisely fatigue/a feeling of tiredness or apathy, in addition to other more characteristic ones, although they can also cause these sensations, such as sadness or the loss of ability to feel satisfaction and pleasure with what we previously enjoyed. I liked it.
How to relieve this feeling?
We have seen some common causes for fatigue and lack of desire to act. But beyond what has generated it, What many of those who ask this question probably want to know is how to solve it.
In this matter, it is essential to first try to identify the specific cause: it is not the same that these symptoms appear because we have pulmonary emphysema than because we have experienced the death of a family member or because we suffer from depression. To help with this identification, we will have to assess whether something that affects us on an emotional level has happened currently or in the past (or something that reminds us of a previous misfortune or problem). It may also be necessary to perform blood tests or other medical checks (especially in vulnerable populations), as it may be a symptom of an illness.
Knowing the duration of this state is also useful: if it is sporadic or if it is something that continues over time. Generally, the greater the continuity, the greater the need to seek help or a solution.
Advice and therapy
As possible ways to solve this feeling at a general level, It is advisable to establish or normalize sleep periods and maintain a balanced intake according to the needs of our body. The search for pleasant and enjoyable activities and the formulation of realistic and not excessively demanding schedules is also a useful method. Writing down our thoughts can also help us alleviate discomfort while giving us clues to its possible causes.
Another alternative is to practice relaxation techniques, especially if it is something derived from stress. Meditation or mindfulness can also be useful. Finally, it is necessary to evaluate our beliefs and self-demands regarding what we should do, be or achieve, and if necessary modify them to more adaptive and realistic ones. In this sense it may be necessary to seek professional psychological help.
