Can depression cause heart fatigue?

Generally, whether depression causes mental fatigue depends on the specific situation. Mild depression usually does not lead to significant mental exhaustion, with only occasional emotional tiredness; however, moderate to severe depression often results in persistent mental fatigue that affects daily life.

Mild depression is mostly characterized by short-term low mood. The feeling of mental fatigue is typically a temporary sensation caused by emotional fluctuations and does not interfere with normal work or study. By communicating with family and friends or engaging in enjoyable activities to regulate emotions, the sense of mental fatigue gradually improves.

Moderate to severe depression can cause neuroendocrine disturbances, reduced sleep quality, and imbalanced energy metabolism, leading to ongoing mental fatigue, often accompanied by symptoms such as loss of interest and mental lethargy. This type of mental fatigue cannot be relieved simply through rest and requires combined treatment with medication and psychological intervention.

In daily life, maintaining a regular routine and avoiding staying up late are important. Nutritionally, it's beneficial to consume adequate high-quality protein and vitamins. Engaging in 20 minutes of gentle exercise each day, such as walking or tai chi, can improve mood and boost energy levels, helping to alleviate symptoms of mental fatigue.