Exhaustion vs Fatigue
In man’s everyday life he is subjected to both physical and mental stress. The demands of a job, taking care of the family, the needs of loved ones, and other personal problems and concerns can drain a person of mental and physical vigor.
This will make him experience physical and mental weakness and feelings of lethargy, sleepiness, and a decreased level of consciousness which can be dangerous if not addressed. This condition is called fatigue, a condition which is defined as the mental and physical weariness caused by too much activity.
It has two classifications:
Physical fatigue which is the lack of strength or the weakness of the muscles which disables a person from continuing his normal activities and causes him to feel muscle pains. The pain can be true or perceived. Perceived is when the individual feels that he has to put more effort into doing the same task.
Mental fatigue which causes the lowering of a person’s level of awareness and consciousness. Road accidents usually happen due to mental fatigue when a driver feels drowsy and becomes unaware of where he is and what he is doing.
It is usually just felt by the sufferer and is not instantly visible to other people. Fatigue can be a symptom of a more serious medical concern. If it lasts for more than six months, it might be caused by factors other than stress and overwork.
Mineral and vitamin deficiencies, poisoning, cancer, heart disease, leukemia, autoimmune diseases like sclerosis, anemia, diabetes, and neurological diseases can also cause fatigue. So do medications used for the treatment of cancer such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Exhaustion, on the other hand, is synonymous with fatigue but it is more intense. It is defined as extreme tiredness and loss of strength due to a lack of food and sleep, overwork, and stress. It causes the sufferer to be constantly tired and physically and mentally worn out.
If disregarded, exhaustion can cause feelings of depression and lower the immune system making a person defenseless against diseases and illnesses. It is very important that a person suffering from exhaustion and fatigue address the problem as soon as possible to prevent them from getting worse.
The best way to combat these symptoms is to make lifestyle changes: making sure that one is eating the right food, has enough sleep, exercises regularly, and manages his activities so that stress can be prevented. It is also best to seek medical help when he is unable to cope with the problems on his own and while it is still in its early stages.
Summary:
1.Fatigue is the state of physical and mental weakness while exhaustion is extreme tiredness and loss of strength.
2.Fatigue and exhaustion may either be mental or physical, but fatigue may also be true or perceived.
3.Both exhaustion and fatigue can be symptoms of serious medical problems and, if left untreated, can cause damage to the physical and mental state of a person.