Could my lack of energy be related to depression?

Yes, ongoing low energy can be related to depression, especially when fatigue is persistent and not relieved by rest. Depression often affects motivation, sleep quality, and nervous system regulation, which can make energy feel consistently low even without heavy physical demand.

Depression-related fatigue isn't just tiredness. It often feels like reduced capacity or emotional heaviness, where tasks require more effort than expected. Changes in mood, interest, concentration, or sleep can quietly drain energy over time, making fatigue feel constant rather than situational.

That said, low energy can have many causes. When fatigue is ongoing or paired with emotional changes, it can be helpful to view it as a signal to seek support rather than something to push through alone.

Things to try

• For one week, note whether your energy is lowest during tasks you usually enjoy, checking if loss of interest aligns with fatigue rather than physical effort alone.

• Over consecutive days, compare how tired you feel after social interaction versus time alone, noticing which one increases fatigue more, as emotional load can affect energy differently.

• At the end of each day for five days, rate your energy and mood separately, checking whether low energy tracks closely with mood shifts or stays independent.