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Stress

Overview

Everyone experiences stress in varying degrees—stress can be brought on during one part of the day, at certain times of year, or can be a symptom of another issue. In small doses, stress can actually be beneficial to people. But, when the level of stress reaches a certain point, some people will be affected in ways that are physical, emotional or behavioral; it can affect mental health, physical well-being and the choices they make when interacting with other people.

Impact

Stress leads to poor concentration, anxiety and can cause symptoms similar to depression. The symptoms people have, and the limitations some people experience, are not necessarily constant; they may vary throughout the day or over the course of weeks or months, or at certain times of year.

Fatigue

Overview

Fatigue, defined as profound exhaustion and extremely poor stamina can cause problems with concentration and short-term memory, as well as physical symptoms of pain and flu-like symptoms. The symptoms of fatigue, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, are highly variable and fluctuate in severity, complicating treatment and the individuals’ ability to cope with the illness. Most symptoms are invisible, which makes it difficult for others to understand the vast array of debilitating symptoms with which people with the illness must contend.

Stats

Fatigue, and chronic fatigue syndrome, affects people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic groups, although has been noted to be three times as common in women than in men. This research suggests that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome affects nearly 422 per 100,000 people, or 800,000 people, in the United States. 1 In addition, it was also noted that ninety percent of people living with these symptoms are not diagnosed or treated.

Impact

People with fatigue may feel mentally capable and physically overwhelmed or physically capable and mentally exhausted; or, they may feel both. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome often affects the way in which a person lives his/her life, interacts with others, and continues to function in a work environment. Fatigue can have a significant impact on memory and other cognitive functions as well.

1Leonard, Jason A. et al. A Community-Based Study of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Arch Internal Medicine, 1999.