Neurological Fatigue: An Inside Look at My Daily Battle

Neurological fatigue is commonly misunderstood as just being tired or lazy. Neurological fatigue is more than I actually realised and is prevalent in a whole host of conditions from SCIs, Strokes, MS and Brain injuries to list a few. Fatigue was far more common than I realised, it affects me in various ways from being unable to concentrate, having brain fog and a constant tiredness which doesn't go away with sleep which goes on to affect my mental health.

I have a difficult struggle with neurological fatigue, and it really has an effect on my mental health when I have a bad day with my fatigue. I feel unfulfilled, lazy, unproductive and I chastise myself even though I know it isn't entirely my fault just par for the course living day to day with a neuromuscular condition.

Very much still in the boom-bust cycle still trying to find the balance between doing too much and still remaining productive. It's a meticulous balancing act to get right and something I have unfortunately yet to master. But I live in hope that eventually I will strike the right balance using techniques learnt through a 6 week course on fatigue management provided by the NHS which I was luckily enough to be offered, as there currently is limited NHS treatment out there for neurological fatigue. ( I could be wrong, please correct me if I am wrong, this is just from my experiences of accessing treatment.)

In order to manage my condition and improve my overall well-being, I have developed a range of coping strategies. Which are practising mindfulness, recently I have been studying freediving breathing techniques ( It helps just slowing down my heart and breathing rate , I would love to actually try freediving but unsure if I would be physically able to) , having good sleep hygiene (must admit for me I'm guilty of not practising good sleep hygiene at all times), remaining hydrated throughout the day, occasionally taking naps throughout the day something I try to avoid as a 30 minute nap could turn into 6 hours of sleep (not ideal when trying to remain productive, with university and work commitments as well as learning 2 languages) and sticking to a schedule although day-to-day life sometimes interferes with the schedule as well as my pain levels, and my level of fatigue which vary day to day.

Although using these tips helps to manage my fatigue levels, unfortunately, I haven't found a cure-all for fatigue other than through medication such as sleeping pills and muscle relaxants. It's frustrating to live with a symptom that affects every aspect of my life, from my ability to think and concentrate to my energy levels and motivation. It's not always easy, but I am committed to taking care of myself and finding ways to live life to the fullest despite the obstacles that come my way.