Fatigue is one of those symptoms that can make you feel completely alone. You know something’s off. You feel wiped out, like you’re running on empty, but often no one can give you a clear answer why. There’s no specific test for it, and even doctors sometimes shrug it off. It can leave you second-guessing yourself. But you’re not imagining it. And you’re definitely not alone.

Fatigue isn’t the same as being tired. Being tired usually has a cause. Maybe you stayed up too late, skipped a meal, or had a long day. Fatigue is different. It’s a deep, heavy exhaustion that lingers no matter how much you rest. It can make it hard to focus, work, or enjoy your life. And too often, people are told it’s just depression, when that might only be part of the story.

What Might Be Causing It

Fatigue can come from a lot of different places. Sometimes it’s obvious. Other times, it’s more layered. It might be physical, mental, hormonal, environmental, or some combination of all of them. Here are some areas to explore:

Gut issues

Your gut plays a huge role in your energy. Conditions like SIBO, candida, low stomach acid, or leaky gut can wear you down.

Food reactions

Some foods can trigger low-level inflammation and next-day crashes, even if they seem fine in the moment. Common culprits include gluten, dairy, eggs, corn, and nightshades.

Nutrient deficiencies

Many people are low in energy-supporting nutrients, even with a decent diet. Ask your doctor to check your levels of iron, magnesium, zinc, B vitamins, and vitamin C.

Sleep problems

If you’re sleeping through the night but still waking up tired, you might be dealing with sleep apnea or another sleep disorder. It’s worth looking into.

Biotoxins

Things like mold, parasites, and tick-borne illnesses can leave behind toxins. Some people naturally detox them, but others don’t, and it builds up over time.

Autoimmunity

Fatigue is often one of the main symptoms of autoimmune conditions. If you suspect this might be playing a role, it’s worth getting tested.

Hormonal imbalance

Thyroid issues and HPA axis dysfunction (sometimes called adrenal fatigue) can cause your body to stay in a low-energy state. At-home testing can be a helpful first step.

Mental and emotional strain

Depression, anxiety, and stress can all affect your energy levels. Sometimes it’s the nervous system working overtime for too long.

Lifestyle patterns

Things like late nights, inconsistent meals, too much caffeine, not enough movement, or overuse of alcohol or stimulants can slowly chip away at your energy.

What You Can Try

Even if you don’t know the root cause yet, there are steps that can help:

• Move your body regularly, even if it’s gentle

• Focus on nutrient-dense meals with plenty of protein, iron, and B vitamins

• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol

• Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day

• Get outside during the day for sunlight and fresh air

• Drink more water than you think you need

• Revisit medications with your doctor to check for energy-related side effects

• Try cognitive behavioral therapy

• Create space to rest without guilt

• Use the app’s tracking tools to notice patterns in your symptoms and energy

Be Patient With Yourself

Getting your energy back can take time. It’s frustrating, especially when you feel like you’re doing everything right. But don’t give up. Your body is trying. Keep using the visualizations inside the app to show your brain what well-being looks and feels like. That repetition matters. Over time, it becomes a guide your system can follow. And tracking your experience might reveal subtle patterns that help you make progress.

This information is for educational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for medical or psychological care. Always talk to your doctor before changing or stopping any treatments or medications.