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How do you respond when others confuse their tiredness with your fatigue?
A few weeks ago, while driving to my lab appointment, I saw this sticker on the back of a car: “ Don’t confuse your tiredness with my fatigue!”
I read it and smiled as I zoomed around the car, and the young lady smiled back. But as I thought about it more, I realized that many of us struggle to explain this topic to others.
It’s frustrating when friends and loved ones think our never-ending fatigue will improve after a short nap! What about you? Have you heard these comments from others? If so, what do you say that has been helpful for both of you? -
7 Replies
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Hi @jen-cueva I wonder where that young woman got that sign. Friends usually respond to my fatigue is … you’ll feel better after a nap, or you need to take it easy tomorrow and rest etc… My response to them … thank you, I will take it easy but my fatigue is not tiredness, I wish it were. Very few take it further and go onto another topic. The one person that did take it further and asked what is the difference. That was the only time I explained the difference. Most people just are not comfortable in the details. So … I just move on and change the subject.
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My family and friends know the difference, Lord knows they’ve seen it in action enough. As far as others are concerned, I have learned that everyone has a different “level” of things. For instance, I have a pretty high pain tolerance that would drive some people to their knees. If anyone mentions how tired they are, I just nod my head and silently pray that that’s as bad as it ever gets for them!
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Hi, @Cris Dingman ; you said that so well when you mentioned how everyone has a different “level” of things. We all can take this lesson from you and pray for them, too.
Yes, my family, mostly, and a good friend all have seen my fatigue in action; others have no clue.
But love your oitlook on this topic, thanks so much for sharing, Cris! Have a great weekend!
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I explain the Spoon Theory when they confuse their tiredness to my son’s fatigue — or their tiredness to the exhaustion of anybody else who has a chronic illness.
https://butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/
butyoudontlooksick.com
Please take the time to read Christine Miserandino’s personal story and analogy of what it is like to live with sickness or disability. Click HERE to download “The Spoon Theory” in PDF format. The Spoon Theory by Christine Miserandino www.butyoudontlooksick.com … Continue reading
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What an incredible reminder and resource, @V.R. Peterson ! I often forget to tell some of our newer members about The Spoon Theory. I appreciate you sharing and this is a good way to explain low energy to others.
My therapist tells me to figure out how many spoons I have each morning and allot tasks from that. Has anyone else found using The Spoon Theory helpful?
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What great topic! But, I have found that it is hard to explain the difference to someone that believes being tired and chronic fatigue are inter changeable. It makes me tired to explain the difference. So I just agree, when I can breathe better after my nap I ‘ll get the dishes done and then run a marathon… lol
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I’m a bit late seeing this lot of posts but I can relate. (Hi Everyone.) I have days when I’m full of energy and make the most of it. Other days the idea of washing the dishes is just not on. I keep a daily diary to try and work out what’s going on, and sometimes it’s helpful, but often not. I think the fatigue, for me, is random. Food, what I eat and how much, is definitely a factor though. I’ve been lucky in that family and friends accept my limitations, but then again, they act like I’m a frail old woman and suggest I “sit down here” when I’m actually fine. I am 83 but except for this damn PH, in quite good knick. The only advice I might offer is – pace yourself. Cheers, PHFriends
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