Introversion and Chronic Fatigue

[ks]

I just bought the book and am reading it for the second time. Thanks Marti for writing it!

Whilst the book addresses the issue of recharging energy, I don't find any indication of the extent of energy depletion that can occur.

I was wondering if there is any evidence (anecdotal or otherwise) of a link between chronic fatigue and introversion. I have always suffered from fatigue but it has become chronic in the last few years. I wonder if it is because I haven't been able to properly recharge my energy for the last 6 - 11 years. My first child was born 11 years ago and the third 6 years ago. It has been very hectic especially with the youngest who is very draining (they are both extroverts!).

Does anybody have any information or personal experience on this?

BTW it was interesting reading about the introvert experience in the USA. I couldn't relate to a lot of it. I suspect introverts are much more highly regarded and respected in other cultures.

[Alex]

Well, I can only talk comment on an anecdotal level. I've struggled a lot with fatigue in the past. There have been many factors causing this - from an introvert perspective it has probably been feeling overly stimulated at times. I feel much better at facing the world if I am well rested. For instance I feel at my most alert and tolerant of 'very extrovert' extroverts after having slept very well.

On top of that I feel losing a weight, changing my diet, drinking less also has given me more energy. Finally, for some time I've been taking multivitamins - I think these help to. Anyhow, to come back to your original question - it doesn't surprise me if you are feeling very fatigued given your situation and all the stimulation this has brought on- as you mention, you probably need to recharge your batteries. I have a suggestion, which to be honest I don't know whether will help as I don't have any real experience with it myself - but, here goes - I've heard meditation can be very effective in handling a busy and stressful life - it is also takes a lot less time than going on a long vacation.

Good luck

[Deidrejay]

Hi KS, I've just read the Introvert Advantage myself, for the first time and will be going over it much more, and was interested in what it said about fatigue.
I am an introvert and also get a lot of fatigue. A few years ago I found out it was linked to a fast heart rate, a type of heart arrhythmia originating from the sinus node of the heart (natural pace maker) and there are theories about autonomic nervous system dysfunction. However I've never received optimal treatment so it's not fully managed. But now I've read the book I am curious of how much is due to my needing to adjust and cater to my introversion and how much is the arrythmia.
I guess I'm saying it's worth having a medical check up to see if there's something medical or physical going on which can be treated as the combination of both would be harder to manage.
I've always managed my fatigue through pacing, listening to my body, now see a naturopath where we've gone through theories around my condition and thus take a herbal mix. Work is the difficulty for me as I need flexibility of hours, control over how to arrange my work and even part time.
I'm looking forward to carrying out the suggestions in this book.
Good luck

[Rick]

I've just started my second reading of "The Introvert Advantage" and I was wondering about the relationship between chronic fatigue and the autonomic nervous system. I'm an introvert and according to the book I should be parasympathetic dominant, but I'm very sympathetic dominant. And my wife is just the opposite, she's extroverted but seems to be parasympathetic dominant. What kinds of problems can this cause? I think Chronic Fatigue could be one issue.

[Margee]

Welcome KS, Deidreyejay and Rick! Good to have you!  

Boy  - have I done research on this issue (as most of us have ,I'm sure!) As the book suggests Introverts feel the most energized and complete when they are peacefully thinking or working in their minds, or by being calmly stimulated by the outside world. Large, loud parties, thrill-seeking, and too many people drain introverts.

Introverts have reactions to two neurotransmitters. They have a low tolerance to dopamine, the thrill-seeking neurotransmitter. Essentially, introverts need way less of this than do extroverts, and too much dopamine makes them anxious and eventually drained. For introverts, outside stimulation which increases dopamine levels is much like being tickled: not so bad at first, but it can escalate and become very stressful and uncomfortable. Introverts prefer the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which produces a feeling of calm and wellbeing. This neurotransmitter is raised during calm, reflective activities like reading, drawing or like Alex suggested, (and it works Alex! ) meditation.

Just read this article I found on what 'noise'  alone can do to the introvert! It tells you that a lot of outside (and inside) stimuli and stress will lead to chronic fatique.

http://www.theintrovertzcoach.com/introverts_noise_pollution_mental_health.html

I really have to watch my whole lifestyle. Sometimes I write a post and I am doing really well   (and you can tell by my post) and then I allow 'things' and people to overwhelm me and I'm on here posting -  really 'messed up'!  

There is 'tons' of information on this forum on diet and lifestyle for the introvert to help answer many of your questions. Just keep searching and you'll be thrilled with all the posts. They have helped me so much!

As of tomorrow afternoon, I am off work for 10 Days and I am counting the seconds to get away from the whole world for awhile!! I am going to end this with an extroverted scream tonight!! (please forgive me)

 YA -HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Sincerely, Margee

[Jonimom]

Enjoy your time off Margee!!!!

[Margee]

Thanks Jonimom!!  
 5 hours to go...................................................(not that I'm counting!)
Sincerely, Margee

[Margee]

bumping up to stay ahead of the 'spammer'! 

[Margee]

bumping up to stay ahead of the 'spammer'!

[radames]

I've wondered why I got really fatigued when I stopped drinking my protein drinks and didn't lift weights as much, but only ran.  I completely understand now based on these posts!  Thanks for all of your help you guys!