Fatigue is defined as:

Extreme tiredness, typically resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness.

Fatigue can take on additional layers of impact for brain injury survivors and caregivers.

Brain injury survivors:

“Neuro-fatigue” is one of the most common and constant issues that brain injury survivors face. Neuro-fatigue is defined as a profound lack of energy in engaging in daily life activities, communicating and/or socializing with others; difficulty staying aroused and awake; and decreased alertness. This kind of fatigue can have significant impacts to people’s overall well-being and health.

Caregivers:

“Compassion fatigue” affects caregivers and can create feelings of burnout, exhaustion, less ability to function, more stress than usual, caregiver feels traumatized, working harder (but getting less done), irritability, feeling bored and more sickness, aches, and pains.

What are the best ways for brain injury survivors and caregivers to handle the impacts of fatigue?

Click here for a comprehensive interview from an expert on fatigue after brain injury that gives thorough insight and strategies to feel better.

Caregivers, some good tips and strategies to combat compassion fatigue can be found by clicking here.

What are some of the ways you work through fatigue? What personal tips work well for you?