Stephen McGowan

Stephen McGowan reflects on navigating COVID-19 Fatigue: Understanding and Overcoming Exhaustion.

This piece is not about Long COVID, the medical condition caused by the virus itself. Instead, it explores COVID-19 fatigue — the emotional, mental, and lifestyle exhaustion that arose during the pandemic, shaped by fear, uncertainty, disrupted routines, and prolonged stress.

The Onset of COVID-19 Fatigue

Life changed fast when COVID-19 hit in 2020. Many people, including myself, felt a new kind of tiredness — a deep weariness, known as COVID-19 fatigue. This isn't just feeling sleepy; it's a form of burnout caused by constant emotional and mental stress, not knowing what's next, and major changes to all parts of our lives.

The Constant State of Alert

The threat of getting sick from the virus never fully went away. Government updates and shifting public health rules turned daily life into a constant state of vigilance. This long-term stress kept people on edge, hindering wellbeing. [Ref: Mayo Clinic, 2021; Research on pandemic fatigue]

Disruption of Routines and Social Life

Lockdowns, social distancing, and changing work patterns completely altered daily life. Simple interactions like chatting with neighbours or meeting friends were lost, replaced with isolation and a sense of disconnection.

Emotional and Mental Burden

Many experienced constant anxiety, fear, and frustration. Some coped with grief after losing loved ones or being hospitalised. The prolonged stress became an invisible weight, straining both mood and outlook.

Physical Exhaustion

COVID-19 fatigue often appears as deep tiredness that sleep does not fix. Insomnia, hypersomnia, changes in appetite, headaches, and muscle tension were common, along with a lack of energy making even small tasks overwhelming.

Behavioural Changes

COVID-19 fatigue altered behaviours: withdrawing from friends and family, procrastination, loss of hobbies, and increased reliance on unhealthy coping strategies like too much screen time or overeating.

Path to Recovery: Self-Care and Support

Recovering from COVID-19 fatigue requires prioritising wellbeing:
- Schedule regular breaks
- Prioritise good sleep routines
- Practice mindfulness or gentle exercise
- Re-establish personal boundaries
- Nurture social connections
- Seek professional help when needed [Ref: WHO guidance; Counselling and therapy services]

Towards a Resilient Future

The world has changed, and we continue to adapt. Building resilience means developing new coping skills, finding meaning in circumstances, and drawing strength from community support. With awareness and support, it is possible to move toward a more hopeful future.

Reminder: This piece focuses on COVID-19 fatigue (pandemic-related stress and exhaustion), not the medical condition of Long COVID.

Medical & Health Disclaimer

The information provided is not medical advice and is not a substitute for consulting a healthcare professional. If you or someone you know has a medical concern, consult your healthcare provider or seek other professional care. Never disregard or delay professional advice because of something read here or in linked materials.