Why am I so tired and unwilling to do anything? 10 common causes

There are several reasons that can lead us to a state of apathy or apathy.

Probably all or almost all of us have felt exhausted and without strength at some time or another.. This state of lack of energy is highly unpleasant and can lead us to miss opportunities and even be disabling.

But not having energy or motivation does not mean that at a cognitive level we cannot worry about what is happening to us and ask ourselves what is causing it. **Why am I so tired and not feeling like doing anything? **

Throughout this article we are going to try to establish some of the possible causes that can lead us to these sensations.

"Why am I so tired?" Understanding this problem

Many times, our level of activation responds to strange logics that we do not fully understand. Even at times in our lives when we feel that we are eating properly and resting the hours necessary for our bodies to maintain and repair themselves at the right pace, many people at some point ask themselves: "Why am I so tired, when I am doing everything I need to do to be well?

This is usually due to a combination of biological and psychological aspects. For example, leading a relatively sedentary lifestyle makes our bodies weaker, which makes us less prepared when we eventually have to make extra efforts. Thus, the behavioral and the bodily influence each other.

On the other hand, there is a wide variety of pathologies that produce fatigue as one of their symptoms. This is usually due to the inefficiency with which the body manages the available energy, since 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 this feeling of fatigue. This is asthenia, and we will get to know it in the following lines.

Apathy and asthenia: basic concepts

Before going into the causes that can lead to extreme tiredness and a 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 bear in mind that both sensations are deeply linked to our state of energy, as well as being influenced by our mood, biology or the set of experiences we have had.

As far as fatigue is concerned, it is a state of discomfort and weakness that, although generally unappetizing, is natural, and that in normative situations has an adaptive meaning and function. When our body or mind use large amounts of energy, the organism warns us that our resources are close to exhaustion. This leads us in normal conditions to try to regain strength, either by sleeping, eating or moving away from what causes us discomfort. This tiredness can turn into asthenia, in which we feel extremely fatigued and action becomes impossible (even in those activities that did not cost 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. and with initiative. This state usually goes hand in hand not only with a lack of motivation but also with a decrease in the ability to concentrate and pay attention (which is generally hindered by ruminations) and a loss of the 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 together with depressed moods and hopelessness. To a maximum degree we could be talking about abulia.

Common causes of apathy and asthenia

It is possible that sometimes we have asked ourselves the question that gives title to this article, doubting the reasons that we can have to be so absent of energy and motivation to act.

The truth is that the causes will be different for each case, in addition to the fact that it is possible that it is due to an interaction between several elements. However, broadly speaking, some of the main reasons that can lead us to a situation or picture of apathy and asthenia may be the following.

Lack of sleep

One possible cause of these sensations is the absence of a sufficiently long and quality rest period. Our body and mind spend energy continuously, so they need to rest in order to repair themselves and gain strength to act.

If we do not get enough sleep, we will be unable to perform and we will end up in a state of lack of motivation for action.

2. Physical exhaustion

Although similar to the previous one, the truth is that a second possible cause of apathy and asthenia is to reach a state of exhaustion, whether mental or physical.

The depletion of our energy reserves will provoke both sensations. However, it is also possible that even if our energy is low, we have the desire and will to act.

3. Anemia

The third of the possible causes of tiredness and lack of desire is to be found in our diet.. We have already said that we need to rest, but our body is not a perpetual mobile that by itself can keep itself working: it needs nutrients and oxygen so that our cells (including those associated with motivation and 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 the lack of activity. The fact of not doing anything usually leads a great number of people to a state of frustration or tiredness.

In addition, if we are used to an inactive life, the idea of reactivating ourselves and getting active if we are accustomed to an inactive life, the idea of reactivating ourselves and starting to do activities, sports, work or even going out to enjoy leisure time becomes much more difficult and uphill.activities, sports, 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 hyperglycemia). (whether there is hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia). Others are linked to pain or physical energy level, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue or arthritis. Problems of the heart, lungs (e.g. COPD), liver or kidneys may also be affected in this regard.

6. Feeling of lack of control over what is happening.

A possible cause of fatigue and lack of desire to do things may come from our perception or beliefs regarding our own ability to influence the environment.

People who believe that their actions have no meaning or effect on a given reality will tend to reduce their behaviors and abandon action, adopting a passive posture. The motivation and desire to act is lost (because it is believed that nothing will change or be achieved with it), and the resulting frustration generates an energy drain.

7. Frustration and lack of objectives

The absence of illusions, 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 very desired), is also a common cause of apathy and feelings of low energy and fatigue.

Not knowing what to do or not being able to define a plan of action leads 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.If this state is maintained over time or becomes habitual and generalized in different situations, it can lead to a feeling of helplessness and lack of control over one's own life.

8. Traumatic experience

In addition to the above, among the different causes that can generate fatigue and lack of desire is the fact of living traumatic situations. In this case we can be talking about a typical situation of what happens in a period of mourning, for example when we lose a loved one.For example, when we lose a loved one or when we perceive that we are losing capabilities.

These are also symptoms that can appear in post-traumatic stress disorders, although hypervigilance, tension and re-experiencing usually prevail.

9. Stress

In everyday life we are confronted with a great number of demands at the 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.The stress and anguish that is maintained over time can end up saturating the person and triggering a loss of motivation and a 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 the fatigue/feeling of tiredness or apathy, in addition to other more characteristic symptoms, although they can also cause these feelings such as sadness or loss of ability to feel satisfaction and pleasure with what we used to like.

How to alleviate this feeling?

We have seen some common causes of fatigue and lack of desire to act. But beyond what has generated it, what many who ask this question probably want to know is how to solve it, what many of those who ask themselves this question probably want to know is how to solve it..

In this question it is essential to first try to identify the specific cause: it is not the same that these symptoms appear because of having a pulmonary emphysema than because of having gone through the death of a family member or suffering from depression. To help in this identification it will be necessary to evaluate if something has happened at present or in the past that affects us on an emotional level (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.

It is also useful to know the duration of this state: if it is sporadic or if it is something continuous over time. In general, the greater the continuity, the greater the need to seek help or a solution.

Advice and therapy

As possible ways to solve this sensation at a general level, it is advisable to establish or normalize the periods of sleep and to maintain a balanced intake according to the needs of our organism.. The search for pleasant and enjoyable activities and the formulation of realistic and not excessively demanding schedules is also a useful method. Also the writing of thoughts can help us to alleviate the discomfort at the same time that can give us clues of its possible causes.

Another alternative is the practice of relaxation techniques, especially if it is something derived from stress. Meditation or mindfulness can also be useful. Finally, we should evaluate our beliefs and self-demands regarding what we should do, be or achieve, and if necessary modify them for other more adaptive and realistic ones. In this sense it may be necessary to seek professional psychological help.

Bibliographical references:

• Bigland-Ritchie, B.; Woods, J.J. (1984). Changes in muscle contractile properties and neural control during human muscular fatigue. Muscle Nerve. 7 (9): pp. 691 - 699.
• Jammes, Y.; Steinberg, J.G.; Mambrini, O.; Brégeon, F.; Delliaux, S. (2005). Chronic fatigue syndrome: assessment of increased oxidative stress and altered muscle excitability in response to incremental exercise. J. Intern. Med. 257 (3): pp. 299 - 310.
• Ropper, A. H.; Samuels, M. A. (2009). Adams and Victor's Principles of Neurology. New York: McGraw-Hill.