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Question:
I have had difficulty getting out of bed in the morning and dread going to work. My whole body feels a little achy and unrested like I didn't get enough sleep. Is this depression or maybe some serious illness?
*The above question is a composite of many inquiries and not that of any actual or specific person.
Response:
I can commiserate with you as many of us experience this from time to time. There are things to consider, especially if your symptoms are frequent and interfere with your day-to-day life.
The first step would be to make sure you are up-to-date with your medical checkups - hopefully from a holistic healthcare provider. As health difficulties like low thyroid, pain problems as arthritis, anemia, allergies, hidden viral illness, insomnia with sleep apnea (often associated with overweight or obesity, snoring or pauses in breathing), and a host of other conditions that can come up in the course of one's lifetime. So, be current with your health check-ups.
Mood disorders including depression can underlie the difficulties mentioned as poor sleep and waking up tired. (see article on depression - click here), Other mental or emotional states can also be responsible that affect emotions, sleep and sense of wellbeing as anxiety, fearfulness, post-traumatic stress, bipolar mood swings, obsessive-compulsive thoughts or worries, or other mood difficulties.
More common things to consider would be things like burnout from overwork or dissatisfaction with career. Other frequent contributors can be
- Poor sleep habits and routines
- Inadequate sleep, being sleep deprived as in going to bed too late
- Over-doing it in your daily life ("burning the candle at both ends")
- Poor diet, lack of exercise, being too sedentary
- Stuffing feelings (ignoring feelings)
- Too many stimulants (as caffeine), drugs or alcohol
- Being too caught up in stressful living with a lack of mindfulness
- Not having the skills to unwind or ways of getting in touch with what is essential for you, your happiness, and wellbeing.
The biggest problem for many is getting caught or stuck in worry or intense physical, thinking, or feeling states – like being caught in a bad dream. Dreams themselves may be a tip-off to emotional feeling states hidden from your daytime awake, busy days. If you remember a dream reflect on the feeling experienced – as dread, fear, anger, even rage, or obsessive worry.
In identifying the feeling state, it often will help you bring into awareness the current stressors that need attention. You can then be more aware of the emotions and mental preoccupations that hold you hostage in your day to day, waking busyness and activity. Next, you can examine your options and then take whatever steps are needed to relieve your chronic tension and worry. Get help or guidance if required.
When significant distress, consultation, and guidance from an experienced mental health counselor, therapist, or integrative psychiatrist may be of a great benefit. Guidance can provide direction to what needs attention or help; where to access the right resources; what strategies you can utilize to gain your goals of renewed health, wellbeing, energy, and vitality.
see Jack Kornfeld's book "No Time Like the Present: Finding Freedom, Love, and Joy Right Where You Are" - click here
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